Garnet Louise Stout McNeely, age 82, of Waco, passed away January 14, 2026, at Lincolnton Rehab. She was born March 2, 1943, in Iredell County, to the late Garland Edward and Hattie Mae Benfield Stout.

Garnet was the proud owner of McNeely Sales, a music store in Cherryville, for 40 years. She was one of the first female business owners in town, and running her store was one of her greatest joys in life. Garnet was a music lover and an avid reader. She was also a member of Second Baptist Church in Cherryville.

In addition to her parents, Garnet was preceded in death by her siblings, George, Sherry, and Mary Ann.

Survivors include her husband, Monty McNeely; son, Gabriel McNeely; brother, Benny Stout; and sisters, Beulah Mae Brewer, and Donna Poplin (T.C.).

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Second Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Matt Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM, prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at the City Memorial Cemetery in Cherryville.


Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com