Obituary of Verla Jean Neel, 87
Verla Jean Neel.
Sept. 6, 1937 – Sept. 26, 2024
– Verla J. Neel passed away at home on Sept. 26, 2024 after a long illness. She was born in Salmon, Idaho to Fred L. and Enid R. Phillips. She is preceded in death by her younger sister Lois.
Fred worked for the Air Force and the family lived in cities across the US but made a home in San Bernardino, California where Verla met her soon to be husband, Paul Neel. They met when Paul was on leave from the US Coast Guard, and, after Paul was discharged and Verla graduated high school, they married.
The young couple moved to San Luis Obispo where Paul entered the Cal Poly Architecture program and Verla enrolled at SLO Junior College as Cal Poly didn’t yet admit women. The following year, Cal Poly became coed and Verla was one of the first eleven women to enter the college. She graduated with a degree in education and later received a master’s degree with a reading specialty.
Verla taught for many years in Monterey and Inglewood, but chiefly worked in San Luis Obispo. During her 30 plus years with the district, she was a primary grade teacher at C.L.Smith, Bishop’s Peak, Del Mar, Los Ranchos, and Sinsheimer. She was honored by the San Luis Obispo School District with the teacher of the year award. Verla also was a resource teacher, a reading and curriculum specialist for the school district.
After her retirement, she became a consultant for the County Schools Office and provided in-service training to educators.
Verla is survived by her husband of 65 years Paul R. Neel, by her sons Thane, Tom, and Joel and his wife Renee and granddaughter Hannah. At Verla’s request there was only a private family service.
Donations may be made in Verla’s memory to San Luis Obispo County Chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (namislo.org).
