Mary Montana (Caruthers) McNeil

Mary Montana McNeil, AKA “Tana,” was born on December 24th, 1934 to two Loving parents, Alexander Caruthers of Cleveland, Ohio, and Cascelia Tate-Robinson of Pittsburgh Pa.

She attended school in Cleveland and every summer Mary would come to Pittsburgh to visit family. It's here, where Mary would meet her future husband, Willie LoveLee Scott. These two were both the only child of their parents, and they were wed on February 13th, 1952. Mary then became the mother of 7: Debra Howze Session of Wilkinsburg, Derek Scott of Maryland, Donna Tucker of Point Breeze, Brenda Scott of Columbus, Ohio, Janiece Clayton of Penn Hills, and two daughters now sleeping with God; Karen Montgomery and Cynthia Scott. From this came 26 Grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. She leaves them to cherish her memory as well as some friends who are more like family: Lillian Mosley of East Liberty, and Linda and Anthony Pasante of Aspinwall and Florida.

Mary, a Hardworking woman, is most proud of being the first black female porter of Gimbels Department Store, once located in the Downtown Pittsburgh area, where she worked for more than 20 years, until the closing of this establishment.

She was later remarried to Mr. Granddaddy Charles McNeil, whom she will rejoin in Heaven. Mary was once a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. This fun-loving woman loved to travel to the Steelers games with her friends, loved Bowling, and once belonged to a league.

Today we are gathering to celebrate her life, A life well lived, a life full of pleasure, for we all know that Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend LOVED to Dance, so when we begin to reminisce and those feelings, grief or sorrow come to visit you I Hope you sway to music and Dance !! In remembrance of her being full of Joy, and may that Joy resonate in your heart, Tana, we love you, and you will truly be missed. Rest with God, Queen. 

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