Edith Shepherd Neece (age 92), known as “Evie” and “Aunt E” to her family, died of congestive heart failure at home, surrounded by loving family, on February 18, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Edwin J. Shepherd and Alice S. Sorrells.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Talmadge Macon Neece, originally of Randolph County; her lifelong best friend, Marian Oddo; her children, Laura E. Neece-Baltaro, Robert T. Neece, and Alice Neece Mine; her six grandchildren, Elizabeth and John Baltaro, Lara and Bennett Neece, and Lauren and Sarah Mine; her five great-grandchildren, Matteo and Rowan Baltaro, Aurelia and Leo Fiebelkorn, and Wyatt Mine; and her nephews, nieces, extended family, and caregivers.

Born in Washington, DC, on August 6, 1924, she spent many happy summers with her aunts, uncles, and cousins on her grandparents’ farm in North Carolina. In high school Edith and her friend Marian founded an 18-member charity club called the “TNTs” (short for “Tech’s Nice Tootsies”). The club of young feminists went so far as to explore adopting an orphan themselves. This early example of selflessness set the stage for Edith’s lifetime of generosity, philanthropy, and social activism.

Inspired by her Aunt Mary, Edith served her country in the Cadet Nurse Corps from 1943 to 1946. She received her BSN from Catholic University in 1948. During the post-WWII baby boom, Edith was head nurse of a newborn nursery. In a career that spanned nearly 40 years, she cared for many others, from the very young in Head Start programs to the very old at several geriatric facilities.

Edith met Talmadge in 1947. On their first date, they sat in the balcony for a performance at the National Theatre in Washington. Returning from intermission, Talmadge realized he was holding her hand, and the rest was history.

Edith became a Quaker in the early 1960s and was an active member of Quaker Meetings in West Hartford, Atlanta, Little Rock, New Orleans, Brooklyn, Asheville, and Durham. She was very involved in Friends General Conference, which provides services and resources for individual Friends, meetings, and people interested in a vital Quaker faith.

Edith lived her life always seeking to help others. From high school philanthropist to international peace worker, she was an example to all who knew her. She worked for civil rights with Martin Luther King’s mother. She nursed and tutored in rural Arkansas. Through Servas, a worldwide cultural exchange program, she hosted international visitors, seeking peace and understanding. As the first US Servas Peace Secretary, she traveled widely on Servas peace missions. She attended the final meeting of the South African Peace & Reconciliation Committee. Her work with the League of Women Voters (LWV) took her to the national convention at which LWV was opened to male members. She supported children and education as a Sunday school teacher, preschool board member, Girl Scout troop leader, and tutor. In NYC she worked at the Quaker United Nations Office as a nongovernmental organization representative, and she helped grow Servas as a part of its national board.

She cared for the earth by working for improved public transportation, promoting recycling programs, and planting flowers for those she loved. The beauty and love that she shared are her legacy to us all.

The family thanks special caregivers, Linda Pickett and Deborah Wallace; Duke Hospice and Aegis Home Care for their kindness and caring support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), 245 2nd Street NE, Washington, DC, 20002, or to Durham Friends Meeting, 404 Alexander St, Durham, NC, 27705-4706.

A memorial service was held at Durham Friends Meeting, 404 Alexander St, Durham, Saturday, March 4th, at 2:00 p.m., followed by visitation with family from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The Cremation Society of NC served the family. 470, Edith Shepherd Neece