Biography: Helen Jean Pitts McNeil, 77, best known as ?sweet? Jean to all her many cherished friends, left this life for heaven on October 4, 2013 while visiting Dallas, Texas. She lived a wonderful life of joy with an unending desire to spread that joy to all. Jean was born in Pleasantville, New Jersey on October 2, 1936 and later moved to Little Rock where she grew up. Jean was a 1954 graduate of Little Rock Central High and then attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She was a proud lifelong Razorback fan, member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and crowned Miss University of Arkansas in 1956. She later met and married her devoted loving husband of 53 years, Joe Pete McNeil. Jean loved life especially being a mother to her four children. She delighted in being a nurturing mother to her children, as well as to her children?s friends which led to her perfect job of being NaNa, as she was affectionately known to her nine beloved grandchildren. She enjoyed reading stories and telling tall tales better known as NaNa Tales to all. Prior to her grandmotherly passion she worked tirelessly as a homemaker, travel agent at The Travel Gallery and Arkansas Custom Travel, and served for the Arkansas Legislature during sessions as a clerk and administrator. Preceded in death by her father Ambrose Joseph Pitts, Jean is survived by her husband Joe Pete McNeil, mother Leila ?Mimi? Pitts of Little Rock, children Karen Beckwith, Jeff McNeil (Sheila), Doug McNeil (Heather) all of Little Rock, and David McNeil ( Sarah) of Dallas, sister Barbra Pitts Newman, brother-in-law Ford Newman, niece Lisa Newman all of Memphis, and nine grandchildren. Jean loved to travel, cook, play bridge, and loved animals, especially dogs. A memorial celebration service will be held at her lifelong church home of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on Friday Oct. 11th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or Little Rock Animal Village, 4500 South Kramer St., Little Rock, Ark. 72204.
Renee Shapiro, Little Rock