Deborah Ann McNeeley's Obituary
Deborah Ann McNeeley (née McMicheaux) September 22, 1953 – October 16, 2025
Deborah Ann McNeeley (née McMicheaux) went home peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by love. She was the cherished wife of David McNeeley, with whom she shared nearly 42 years of marriage; an extraordinary mother to Audrea and Nicklaus Ramirez; a treasured sister; a loving and proud aunt; a loyal friend; and an incredible woman whose love and strength left an indelible mark.
Born on September 22, 1953, Deborah believed deeply in the power of education to create opportunity. A lifelong learner, she worked diligently to earn three associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree, and an MBA. These achievements reflected her determination to open doors not only for herself but also for her family.
Deborah built a successful career managing real estate, but the work that mattered most to her was teaching and empowering first-generation homebuyers. She loved helping families find stability for their children and approached every person she served with empathy and a steadfast commitment to their dignity.
Her generous heart knew no bounds. She found joy in helping others, from furnishing a young person’s first apartment to gifting school clothes and supplies, completing complex paperwork, or connecting people to good jobs with opportunity. She had a special heart for organizations that served children and families, quietly giving wherever there was the most need.
Family gatherings were one of Deborah’s greatest joys. She poured her heart into preparing and hosting holiday meals, creating spaces filled with warmth, laughter, and abundance. No one was ever left out; she welcomed friends, neighbors, and anyone who didn’t have another place to go, ensuring that everyone felt like family around her table. Those moments of togetherness reflected her deep belief in love as action and community as family.
Deborah’s candor and strength were at the heart of who she was. She lived by the conviction that love must be grounded in action and that those who need help also need strength beside them. Her life was proof of that truth, and her legacy endures in those who learned from her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Stana (née Morgan) McMicheaux. She is survived by her husband, David McNeeley; her children, Audrea and Nicklaus Ramirez; and her former husband and friend, Fidel (Nellie) Ramirez. She is also survived by her siblings, Phillip McMicheaux, Dion McMicheaux, Susan McMicheaux, Joseph McMicheaux, Stephen (Debbie) McMicheaux, Catherine McMicheaux, Cynthia Feliciano (Dean), and Dawn Vandergriff (Michael), as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will remember her love.
Deborah’s spirit is free, her wisdom and laughter echo in our hearts, and her love remains, woven into every fiber of our beings.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070, on Tuesday, October 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed immediately by burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center or the Cleveland Food Bank, causes close to Deborah’s heart.
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