Obituary of Jean Neville Saffelle

Jean Neville Saffelle of Chapel hill, N.C. died on July 6, 2023 at Duke Hospital after a long battle with Leukemia. She passed peacefully with family surrounding her with music and stories.

She was born on November 19, 1938 in Chapel Hill, NC to the late Eugene (Red) Claude Neville and Irma (Chatham) Neville. Growing up in Chapel hill her parents, sister and brother loved and supported each other throughout their lives. Every holiday was spent at her parents’ home on Dairyland Road with the family. After the passing of her parents, she continued the tradition at her home on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Family mattered more to her than any beauty contest she won or business she ran.

After taking business classes at UNC, she met her future husband, Milton Franklin Saffelle, on a blind date. Married on August 25, 1962, they raised three children and started a business together.  Saffelle, Inc. was the product of hard work and dedication. She loved all the employees that worked there and welcomed them as family  

She was a loyal TarHeel fan, a CHHS majorette, a Miss Dairy Queen 1955, a 1957 Sweetheart of Chapel Hill High and a Miss Carrboro Cub. Known for her beauty inside and out, her sense of style and class, her strength, her pink lipstick, her love for her children, grandchildren, and husband, she will be deeply missed       

She leaves behind her loving husband of 60 years, Milton Franklin Saffelle, Chapel Hill, NC.  Her children, Jeanine Saffelle Mangieri (Frank), Mark Neville Saffelle (Lea) of Chapel Hill, and Christopher Scott Saffelle (Michele), Cary, NC. Her sister Lajaynees (Jan) Gilchrist and brother Bobby Neville(Jean). Her beloved grandchildren, Devin Rudolph, Jackson Rudolph, Bradley Saffelle, Morgan Saffelle, Alex Saffelle, Kate Saffelle, and Andrew Saffelle. And many cousins, nieces, and nephews.         

Jean’s family wants to express their appreciation to the caring doctors, nurses, and staff at Duke Hospitals. A viewing and slide show of her life will be held on July 16, 2023 from 1pm-2pm, at Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Service will begin at 2pm with burial following immediately afterwards

Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is assisting the Saffelle family.