Elizabeth Ann McNiel, 87, of Marshall, Texas, (Woodlawn Community)passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born on March 8, 1939, in Clarksville, Texas, Elizabeth was the daughter of Horace James Crouch and Eliza Toones Crouch. She spent most of her school years in Red River County and always remained proud of her East Texas roots.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings, Raymond Crouch, Margaret Shaw, Tom Crouch, Sally Baker, Katharine Stallcup, Earnest Crouch, and Stella Pace, grandchildren, Alica Peek, Melissa Thacker.

She is survived by her devoted husband, James McNiel, with whom she shared 36 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, faith, and cherished memories. She is also survived by her children, Billy Ray Peek and his wife Kimberly Ann Peek and family. James Paul Peek and his wife, Trudy Peek and family. Step-daughter, Yvette Wood and family, her step-son Jamie McNiel and family; James's sisters; Charlotte McNiel deceased, Sharon "Katy"Barbara Jean McNiel and numerous grandchildren,nephews and nieces.

And her beloved loved sister-in-law, Mary Crouch.

After raising her sons in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ann spent much of her working career with Safeway Grocery Stores, where she retired after many years of dedicated service. Following retirement, she returned to East Texas, living at Caddo Lake and later in Marshall, where she and James created a warm and welcoming home.

Ann had a gift for hospitality. She loved tending her summer gardens, caring for her flowers, cooking for family and friends, and making sure no one ever left her table hungry. Homemade cakes and pies were often shared with those she loved. Never one to stay idle for long, she later returned to work at a local dollar store.

She especially enjoyed traveling with James in their RV, spending time at the lake, and relaxing on their pontoon boat. She looked forward to family reunions, where she enjoyed visiting with loved ones and playing dominoes with her brothers and sisters where she was a fierce competitor.

Ann and James faithfully attended Woodlawn Baptist Church until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Even then, she continued to worship from home and remained steadfast in her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ann will be remembered for her loving heart, strong faith, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her kindness, warmth, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service will be held by Brother Mike Powell of Redwater Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery on Highway 59, across from Woodlawn Baptist Church, between Marshall and Jefferson, Texas. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Downs Funeral Home.