Nancy Neves

Nancy Sue Martin Neves, 82, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on May 2, 2025, of natural causes with her daughter and granddaughters by her side.

Nancy graduated from Dreher High School in 1961 and began nursing school in Anderson, South Carolina. She quickly discovered her passion lay elsewhere. She took a job in the blood donor room at the local hospital and became its supervisor. She worked in hospital laboratories for decades, most notably at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she was known for her precision, dedication, and sharp intellect.

In the middle of her career, Nancy followed a different creative spark and pursued a second professional path in interior design, where her eye for color and space flourished. Though she found joy in that work, her heart ultimately pulled her back to the lab, where she continued to make a quiet but meaningful impact until her retirement.

In the late 1960s, Nancy helped operate the Blood Mobile for Blood Assurance, making blood donations more accessible. In 1974, she and her sister, Ellen Martin, made history as the first two women EMTs in the state of South Carolina. Her commitment to helping others ran deep, both professionally and personally.

In 1955, Nancy met Tony Neves, and they married in 1962. Together they raised two children, Ronnie Neves who went on to marry Donna Gregg, and Megan Neves who went on to marry Jody Lischewski. She was a loving grandmother to Chloe Starshine Mize and Lily Temperance Thomas, and a proud great-grandmother to Oaklyn Evelyn Mize.

Nancy was a quiet force-steadfast, intelligent, and deeply compassionate. She loved her cats, adored a good book, and believed in looking for the best in people, even when life made that hard. Her strength showed up in everyday ways: in the work she did, in how fiercely she loved her family, and in the quiet, unwavering presence she offered those around her.

She is survived by her sister, Ellen Martin; her children, Ronnie and Megan; her granddaughters, Chloe and Lily; her great-granddaughter, Oaklyn; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Neves; her parents, Eugene Gray Martin and Mary DeLoise Martin; and her siblings, Robert, Margaret, and David.

At Nancy's request, no formal service will be held. Her family will honor her memory in the small, meaningful ways she would've appreciated-through acts of care, curiosity, and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Dixie Day Spay in Cleveland, Tennessee, in honor of Nancy's lifelong love for cats.

Phone: (423) 476-7122

Website: www.dixiedogsandcats.org

You are invited to share a personal memory of Nancy or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.