Dorothy Ann Neville

Dorothy Ann Neville of Lynnville, TN passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025.  She was born on May 11, 1944 and was 81 years old.

The daughter of William and Mabel Deane Neville of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Ann was raised on a dairy farm where her love of animals and the outdoors began. After earning her Bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University, she received a fellowship to complete a Master’s degree in 1968.  Later she accepted a position at the University of Georgia and completed a specialist degree in Educational Administration there in 1972. A career in teaching history began at Mt. Olive college in 1968.  In 1972 she became Dean of Student affairs at Martin College where she served for thirty years.

Since retirement in 2006 she pursued her passion for travel by visiting five continents, 41 countries, and 50 states including capitols.  Ann’s love of history led to tracing her Neville ancestors to their 1642 arrival in the American colonies.  She then joined the Pulaski Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her love of animals, specifically dogs and horses, led to numerous deployments as a member of the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS).  In 2007 EARS, working with the FBI, took in 421 dogs that had been seized from dogfighting venues in two states, Missouri and Illinois.  The dogs were given medical treatment and held for trials of the criminals responsible.

Ann also held membership in the Pleasure Walking Horse Society of Tennessee and served as president.  She had Equines her entire life starting with Papoose, a Welsh pony, and ending with Tennessee Walking Horses, Mischief, Ransom, and Journey.  With her interest in helping students realize their potential she established a scholarship at East Carolina University Medical School for future doctors and one at the University of Tennessee Southern for history and criminal justice majors.  Funds were also donated to build a tennis complex for UTS that was dedicated in September of 2024.  As a lifelong member of Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church in Carolina she made the decision to be cremated.  Memorial contributions may be made to the scholarship program at U.T. Southern.  She leaves behind wonderful caregiving neighbors Amanda and Michael Parker, Jessica, Brandon, and Caroline Talley along with a host of other caring friends.  Also, special Golden Retriever Blue Creek Bridget was a longtime companion.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Dorothy Ann Neville.