JoAnn "Jody" McNiel

JoAnn “Jody” McNiel, 92, of Tahoka, was gently lifted into heaven to meet her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Jody was born on November 18, 1933, in Lynn County, Texas, to the late Hervey Benson and Ruthie (Dorman) Benson.

Jody attended Tahoka High School and graduated with her senior class of 1951.

She met the love of her life, Willis McNiel, and they were united in marriage on July 10, 1954, in Tahoka. Willis preceded her in death on September 17, 2005.

Jody was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her entire family. She loved to play games, including cards, board games, dominos, and Wahoo. After Jody moved into Lynnwood Assisted Living, she rarely missed a game of Bingo. She was also an avid reader of spiritual and Christian related books. During her working years, she was employed as Payroll Accountant at Poka Lambro Telephone for 21 years, before retiring in 1992. She attended First Baptist Church in Tahoka for over 75 years.

Those left behind to honor and cherish her memory include two children, Amy Preston and husband Danny of Tahoka, and Mark McNiel of Round Rock. She also leaves behind four grandchildren that she adored: Brett McNiel of Round Rock, Sara McNiel of Farmers Branch, Lindsay Paris and husband Brent of Shallowater and Kyle Preston and wife Kasey of Shallowater. In addition, she leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Blair Paris, Taylor Wood, Blakely Preston and Trace Preston. Jody was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers: Jake Benson and Bill Benson; one sister, Mildred George; and one special and beloved great-grandson, Blade Paris.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church in Tahoka. Funeral services will follow at 2 PM at First Baptist Church in Tahoka with Derek Cory officiating. Final rites and interment will follow in the Tahoka Cemetery under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Home in Tahoka.

The pallbearers for Jody will be Mark McNiel, Brett McNiel, Danny Preston, Kyle Preston, Trace Preston and Brent Paris. In loving memory of Blade Paris, he will be an Honorary Pallbearer for his great-grandmother.