Katherine Wilson McNeilly, active in church, community

Katherine "Kit” Wilson McNeilly, 81, of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully at The Moorings at Lewes Sunday, May 19, 2024. She was born Jan. 13, 1943, in Oil City, Pa., the daughter of the late Henry "Harry” I. B. Wilson and Elizabeth "Betty” Ross Wilson.

Kit graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in Ohio and then furthered her education at Stephens College and Ohio State University. She was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Until the day she passed away, she knew all the words to the Kappa songs and Ohio State’s fight songs. In 1967, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in the arts. She met Custis Wright McNeilly at the Winding Beam in Rehoboth Beach, and they were married at Christ Episcopal Church in Dover Nov. 26, 1966. Kit and Mick would spend the next 57 years creating beautiful memories and raising their family. 

Kit worked for Lord & Taylor in New York City as a buyer, and Bedford Green Antiques in Bedford, N.Y., as an interior designer. She was a prolific artist in watercolors, oils, and pastels with numerous paintings on display in the art league. Kit was a loving wife and devoted mother, and it brought her great joy raising her three children of whom she was most proud. Kit dedicated her life to her family and creating a warm and welcoming home for all. 

Kit was always active in her community. She was a longtime member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, a member of Rehoboth Art League, and the Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. She was on the board of directors at the Henlopen Art League. Kit was also an active member of St. John's Church in South Salem, N.Y., St. George's Church in Newburgh, N.Y., and All Saints’ Church in Rehoboth Beach. She served these parishes in various capacities such as a vestry member at times, even warden. 

Kit's passions were as varied as they were deep. She loved summering on St. Louis Street in Rehoboth by the Sea her entire life.  She especially enjoyed celebrating the Independence Day holiday with family and friends at the beach.  Whether sharing stories of the past, serving her community, or simply enjoying the company of her loved ones, her presence was a source of warmth and wisdom. Kit was a shining light in the lives of so many, and her bright blue eyes and beautiful smile, exuberance, and presence will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have had her in their lives. 

Kit is survived by her beloved husband, Custis "Mick" Wright McNeilly; her children, Charles W. McNeilly and Kristi of Severna Park, Md.; Col. Henry "HIB" I.B. McNeilly and Rebecca of McLean, Va., and Elizabeth C. McNeilly of Missoula, Mont.; her grandchildren, Holly Gwyn, Samuel Ross, Jacqueline Ann and Henry Irving Beers.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 21, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach; family and friends are welcome starting at 10 a.m.

Interment will be private at Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery, Dover.

Visit Kit’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.