Funeral services for Dottie Elaine McCormick McRae Neugebauer will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Leesville with Reverend Darin Worthington officiating, Joshua Ballagh and Sherry Pruitt Pratt speaking, and Marci Post will read a devotional. The burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Leesville on Monday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Serving as pallbearers Lewis Post, David Ballagh, Joshua Ballagh, Walker Sacco, Matt Hammond and Laverne Gates.
Dottie was born January 18, 1945, in Zwolle, Louisiana and passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024, in Edmond, Oklahoma at the age of 79. She moved to Leesville when she was five years old and attended first grade. Her father, Dewey, was an accomplished carpenter and her mother, Syble, was a homemaker who faithfully worked in her church – First Baptist of Leesville. Dottie loved her elementary teachers, and they helped establish her lifelong love of reading and education. Many wonderful memories were made and friendships formed while growing up in Lee Hills. Most of those friendships were kept throughout her life. Leesville High School was brand new when she attended 10th grade, and in 1962, she graduated from LHS after being named Homecoming Queen in 1961. While in high school, Dottie began dating Ralph McRae and this relationship continued during college. After graduation, she enrolled in Louisiana College, and Ralph enrolled in LSU, but they later both transferred to Northwestern State University. During their sophomore year, they were married and soon after their son, Mark, was born. Dottie majored in early elementary education, but also began learning about a new field of education – special education. After graduation, she and her family moved to several military bases across the country as Ralph continued his military training and flight school. In 1968 Ralph was stationed in Vietnam and Dottie moved to Leesville where she taught second grade and their daughter Marci, was born. Though she enjoyed regular education teaching, her heart was longing to work with special education. Upon Ralph’s return, they were stationed in Lexington, Kentucky. Dottie took this long stay as an opportunity to attend the University of Kentucky. While parenting two small children and with a deep determination, she earned her Masters Degree in Special Education, When they moved back to Leesville in 1972, she again taught 2nd grade with hopes for a place with special education in the future. Their daughter, Millie, was born during this time and Dottie was a dedicated teacher and mother of three. In time, a new Principal position of the State School became available, and Dottie took it as a way to acquire leadership experience. She enjoyed administration and this position helped prepare her for the soon to be established Special Education Department of the Vernon Parish School System. She became the first Director of Special Education for Vernon Paish and served 32 years in this role. When she retired from the school System at the age of 69, she had diligently worked in education for 42 years. During the time that she was the Director of Special Education, she also had the honor of being the Leesville mayor’s wife in the early 1980’s.
In 1991, Dottie remarried to Larry Neugebauer of Arkansas. They spent nearly 35 years enjoying each other’s company. During the early 90’s Dottie and Larry built a home on Toledo Bend where they enjoyed hosting family gatherings, sunsets, card games with neighbors and fishing. In the late 2000’s Dottie moved back to Leesville to be closer to her children. She spent the past year and half in one of her children’s homes in Oklahoma. Dottie loved keeping up with the daily lives of her children, grandchildren and lifelong friends. She was always thinking of them and their pursuits. “Granny” was often a first phone call when grandchildren had exciting news. Dottie was stylish and enjoyed decorating and flowers. She was a voracious reader of both fiction, and current affairs, and she enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino. Her mind remained sharp, and she was a feisty card player. Her generous spirit helped her make connections with everyone that she came in contact with. She leaves her family a legacy of love, laughter, and friendship that will be cherished
Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Dewey McCormick and Syble Bee Pearson McCormick, and grandchild McKenzie McRae.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Mark Dillon McRae (Candace) of Leesville, LA;
daughters, Marcella Lee Post (Lewis) of Edmond, OK and Millicent Elaine Ballagh (David) of Leesville, LA;
grandchildren, Carolina Dawn Hammond (Matt), Sarah Elaine Sacco (Walker), Joshua David Ballagh, Emma Grace Post, and Dillon Bennett McRae;
and numerous friends.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Dottie Elaine McCormick McRae Neugebauer, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
18
Nov
1400 Nolan Trace
Leesville, LA 71446
Funeral
18
Nov
1400 Nolan Trace
Leesville, LA 71446
Cemetery Details
Location
153 Alexandria Hwy.
Leesville, LA 71446
