Twilla Joan Neil, 90, of Kuttawa, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Lake Barkley Health and Rehab in Kuttawa. Joan was born on April 7, 1936, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to the late John and Maxine Rudd Meyers. She attended Fort Madison High School, where she excelled academically. Her exceptional intelligence and studious nature allowed her to skip several grades and graduate from high school at just sixteen years old. That same year, she married the love of her life, Wilbur Neil, beginning a 71-year journey filled with love, family, and countless cherished memories until his passing in 2023.
Joan worked in a managerial position in the Clerk’s Office in Broward County, Florida, until her retirement. She was known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, always able to bring a smile to even the most serious of faces. Outside of her work, Joan found joy in the simple things in life. She was an avid reader and could often read a book from cover to cover in just a matter of hours. She also had a special love for flowers and blooming trees. Whether looking through a window or sitting on the porch, Joan enjoyed taking time to admire their beauty and appreciate the peaceful moments they brought her.
Joan is survived by two sons, Mike Neil of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Jerry Neil of Benton, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Julie Neil, Sarah Neil, Samuel Neil, Josh Neil, and Sean Neil; and three great-grandchildren, Heath, Nora, and Loralei. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Neil; one son, Steve Neil; one sister, Betty Meyers; three brothers, Jack Meyers, Bob Meyers, and Eugene Myers; and her parents, John and Maxine Rudd Meyers.
A visitation will be held from Noon to 1:00 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026, at King Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral will immediately follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Les Featheringill officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Fort Madison. Online condolences to the Neil family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website:
www.kinglynk.com.
