Mary Cornelia "Neali" (Brown) Vann

Mary Cornelia (Neali) Brown Vann, 80, of Auburn Alabama passed away on March 22, 2024 at Bethany House in Auburn.

Neali was born in Tuskegee, Alabama to Grace Frasier Branch Brown and Henry Herschel Brown, Sr., on January 20, 1944. While growing up in Tuskegee, Neali became an accomplished pianist under the tutelege of Mrs. Elma Howe. She also played the flute in the Tuskegee High School Band, and was a majorette during the marching season.

Neali was valedictorian of her graduating class. Neali graduated from Auburn University in 1965 with a major in Home Economics. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.

Neali worked as a Media Relations Specialist, first for Burson, Cohn and Wolfe in Atlanta, Georgia and later in the Office of Public Relations of Auburn University. Neali was active in her book club, her walking group, and as a member of League of Women Voters in Auburn and Atlanta.

Neali is preceded in death by her parents and the father of her children, John Elzy Vann, III. Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Frasier Vann (Jeff Fleisher), of Houston, Texas, and John Elzy Vann, IV, of Canton, Georgia, her sister Nancy Frasier Brown Veale (Charles), of Auburn, and brother, Henry Herschel Brown, Jr. (Cindy), of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. She adored her three grandchildren, Max Henry Fleisher, John Elzy Vann V and Emma Jean Vann, as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews.

A family graveside service is planned for April 6, 2024 at Town Creek Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Amada Senior Care, as well as the doctors and staff of Bethany House. A special thanks to Dr. Shashi Sharma, Pulmonologist, who showed such compassion to Neali. A heartfelt appreciation to Amber Knowles, one of her sitters who became a close friend. And to neighbors and friends for their gestures of kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the League of Women Voters at the following address:

LWVEA c/o Kristen De La Fuente

660 East Ln

Auburn, AL 36830