Neva Still

Neva May (Wheatman) Still of Unionville

Neva May Still, 84, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at her home, surrounded in her final moments by family. She was the beloved wife of Thomas Still, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage prior to his death in 2014. Born in Doe Run, Neva was the daughter of Homer and Gladys Wheatman and a graduate of Unionville High School. Neva never minded too much if someone mispronounced her name, but for the record it was “knee-vah” not “nev-ah,” a beautiful name that reflected her strength.

Neva is survived by her children Ken (Lisa), Beth Garris (Kevin), Tim (Julie), and Susan Elks (Jake), and by her grandchildren Taylor Kirby (Sean), Kassie Williams (Ron), Garrett and Claire Elks, and Pierson and Paxton Still. Neva is also survived by her sister Joan Mellinger, sister-in-law Verna Wheatman, and many nieces and nephews with whom she enjoyed spending time. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings John Wheatman and Elaine McBride, her sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Joe Ruczhak, brother-in-law Frank Mellinger Jr., and mother and father-in-law Mary and Lloyd Still.

Growing up in the center of Unionville, Neva formed close relationships in her youth that continued; her luncheons with classmates remained a source of joy through the end of her life. While Neva and Tommy moved around southern Chester County early in their marriage, they settled at Tommy’s family property at the edge of Unionville in 1975, each remaining in the home until their passing. Family friends and Neva’s nieces and nephews knew where to find her, and many hours were spent visiting on the porch that looked out across the birdfeeders, the field, and Unionville.

Neva worked various jobs throughout her life, but her children most appreciate her time spent keeping order in the Still household and time spent with her grandchildren. When many would be thinking of retiring, Neva started working again, assisting at her granddaughter Kassie’s daycare and then taking on her favorite job of all at Barnard’s Orchard. Neva was at the orchard multiple days a week as recently as a year ago, finally retiring as her 84th birthday was coming into view. She greatly enjoyed the chance to catch up with friends stopping for their local goods and was most appreciative of the camaraderie among those who worked at the orchard and the Barnard family. Neva also enjoyed the Barnard’s cats, who were excellent part-time company after a lifetime of family pets and a decision to no longer keep one underfoot in her own home.   

A day for Neva started with prayers. There were the standards, and then there were the two lists: those who had departed this life, and those with a struggle in this life. Many names were on these lists, which evolved as circumstances dictated. Among her notes was a call-out “for healthy hearts” and a list of names, herself among them following her diagnosis with viral-induced congestive heart failure in 2018. Neva converted to Catholicism at the time of her marriage and remained a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square since that time. She and Tommy enjoyed attending St. Malachi’s Church in Londonderry Township on occasion, and both will now lie in the beauty that surrounds St. Malachi’s while living on through the memories and stories of friends and family.   

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Consolation Church, 603 West Second Avenue, Parkesburg PA 19365 (please note for caretaking of St. Malachi’s), the American Heart Association, or Kennett Area Community Services, 136 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square PA 19348.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at St. Malachi Catholic Church, 76 Saint Malachi Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania.  Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

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