Mary Jo Robichau Neil, 80, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at home surrounded by her family. A native and lifelong resident of Beaumont, she was born on February 17, 1933, to Lillian Susan Roberson Robichau and Hewitt Paul Robichau.

Mary Jo was a wonderful loving wife and mother. She spent numerous years as a secretary at Austin Jr. High School, and many years volunteering, especially enjoying the time she devoted to the School for the Deaf.

Mary Jo was the last surviving sibling of a large, loving family. Born and raised in Beaumont, she was a proud graduate of the St. Anthony Class of 1951. Spent years as a secretary at Austin Jr. High School and then working side-by-side with her husband John at John Neil Advertising.  She and John spent much of their time at their beach cabin in Crystal Beach and then enjoyed his retirement visiting cousins in Sanibel, Florida and weekends at "the Farm". She and John were married fifty years and never stopped teaching their children the true meaning of love and devotion.

Mary Jo lost the love of her life in 2008, but never lost her love of life and family. She was generous of heart and spirit, and cherished the time she spent with life-long friends, "The Girls of '51" and, especially, her family. Her deep and unwavering faith kept her strong through many great losses and through her year and a half battle with cancer. Throughout that courageous battle she never failed to help her friends and family cope with their impending loss. Mary Jo passed away surrounded by her children…truly the strong center of the family circle.  

Survivors include her children, John Neil, Jr. and his wife, Angie; Mike Neil and his wife, Elva; and Becky Dickens and her husband, David, all of Beaumont; grandchildren, Jack Neil; Jennifer Neil; John “Trey” Neil III; Jami Burnes and her husband, James; Shawna Sandoval and her husband, Eric; Loriann Smart and her husband, Ryan; and Crystal Dickens; great-grandchildren, Luke Sandoval and Skyler Neil; sisters-in-law, Edna Robichau, Marilyn Love, and Susan Westenbroek; brothers-in-law, Bill Neil and Frank Neil; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, John S. Neil, Sr.;  parents, Lillian and H. P. Robichau, Sr.; brothers, Hewitt P. Robichau, Jr.; Joe Robichau; Frank Robichau; and James Gober Robichau; and sisters, Barbara Hogan, Juanita Williamson, and Imogene Robichau.

A gathering of Mrs. Neil’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 18, 2013, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 19, 2013, at Broussard’s, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706.