Obituary for Maudean Neill

Evelyn Maudean (Morris) Neill, 92, a longtime resident of Montpelier, Vermont, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, in Northfield, Vermont.

Maudean was born on February 4, 1934, in Granite, Oklahoma, to Reginald Morris and Anna Ree (Carson) Strain (formerly Morris). She graduated from Lake Creek High School near Granite. After leaving home, she met Lewis Neill, an airman in the U.S. Air Force. They married in 1953 in Wichita Falls, Texas, and in 1954 moved to Lewis's hometown of Montpelier, Vermont, where they shared a loving home for 69 years.

Together, Maudean and Lewis raised four children: Patricia, Sandra, Chris, and Neshobee. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

Her greatest passion was her deep Christian faith and devoted service to the Lord Jesus Christ. A longtime member of the Church of Christ in Montpelier and South Barre, Maudean taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, prepared the weekly bulletin, and served the congregation at various times as secretary and treasurer. She and Lewis were true partners in faith, opening their home to preachers, church youth, and travelers, teaching Bible studies, and hosting countless church and community events.

Maudean and Lewis owned and cared for several apartment buildings together. She managed the properties and worked alongside Lewis on renovations of their home and the apartments. She was also an avid gardener who took great joy in tending her flowers and vegetables.

Maudean had a profound love for Vermont history and genealogy. She was an active member of the Vermont Historical Society, the Montpelier Historical Society, the Berlin Historical Society, and the Northfield Historical Society. Through dedicated research, she authored and published the book Fiery Crosses in the Green Mountains: The Story of the Ku Klux Klan in Vermont. She and Lewis designed and staffed historical exhibits for the Vermont History Expo in Tunbridge for several years. A certified genealogist, she spent much of her adult life researching family histories. In her early years, she pursued this passion through hands-on work in county clerk offices and cemeteries, carefully uncovering difficult family connections. Later, as computers and online resources became available, she continued her research from home. Whether working professionally or simply helping friends and others as an act of friendship and shared joy, she delighted in bringing family stories to life.

Maudean is survived by her four children, all but one of her grandchildren, her sister Elizabeth Arlene (Morris) Nelson of Hickory Grove, SC, and her brother Raymond Morris and his wife Joyce of Dayton, TX.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of Christ, 540 South Barre Road, South Barre, VT 05670, on April 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a potluck meal. Flowers may be delivered to the church between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on the day of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gander Brook Christian Camp (www.ganderbrook.org/donate), a place dear to Maudean's heart, where she sent her children and several grandchildren for summer camp.