Suzanne McNeill

Suzanne McNeill, 71, died November 3, 2011 in Arkansas Hospice at St. Vincent's Hospital.
Born May 21, 1940 in Hope, Arkansas, Hempstead County, she is the daughter of the late Hazel Beck McNeill and Chester Charles (C.C.) McNeill of Hope. She is survived by her sister Pegge McNeill Abraham of Eufaula, Alabama; Frances Swain and Mike Miller; her nieces Mary Beck Abraham (Wohlers) of Fayetteville, N. Y.; Ann Abraham Ackerman of Richwood, Ohio; and, Megan Abraham Richardson of Gilroy, California; her Grand-Nieces and nephews, Mary Lucien Richardson Morris, Timothy Boone Richardson; Sara Beck Wohlers, Katherine Lucien Wohlers; Julia McNeill Ackerman, James O'Rourke Ackerman; and a Great Grand-nephew, Lucien Abraham Morris.
Suzanne McNeill graduated from Hope High School. She attended Henderson State Teacher's College, Arkansas College, Capital City Business College and the University of Arkansas, School of Real Estate majoring in Business. Ms. McNeill's business career included owning one of the first automatic car wash businesses in Little Rock.
After a childhood accident that broke her pelvis and in a wheel chair for four years, Suzi was told she would never walk again. However, with strength and stubbornness, she not only learned to walk but later became Coleman Dairy's first female delivery person.
In addition to working for Borden Dairy, Ms. McNeill worked for Coleman Dairy from 1979 until 2011. She worked several routes over the years in Little Rock and Lonoke and was much loved and well respected by her clients. On July 25, 1982, the Arkansas Democrat published a Sunday interview with Suzi, Making Deliveries: On the milk run. At that time, she was the only female delivery person in Little Rock, "unique, especially in the eyes of her customers". (Francis, 1982)
One of her routes included the Governor's Mansion. She always had orange juice waiting for Governor Clinton when he returned from his morning run. They would sit and discuss what she had heard from clients on her route. Governor Clinton referred to her as his "man on the street" as she always knew what was said from all over Little Rock.
Suzanne McNeill played on the Charlie Brown All Stars Softball Team part of the Ft. Roots Women's Softball League. She adored her dogs, Max, Comet, and Patches. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Suzi was an avid fisherman. She loved camping, baseball, and the Razorbacks but especially loved her work at Coleman Dairy. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.
Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2011, in Hope, Arkansas, at Rose Hill Cemetery, officiated by the Rev. Philip McClarty of the 1st Presbyterian Church. Services are by Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth. Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-661-9111. Memorials can be made to Pulaski County Humane Society or Arkansas Hospice.