Mary Denise “Neecy” Vinyard

Mary Denise “Neecy” Vinyard, 68 was born on April 19th, 1956 in Lincoln, Illinois to the late Orville and Thema (Smalley) Liesman. She died March 16th, 2025 at St. John’s Hospital surrounded by her family.

Visitation will be from 11AM until 1PM Friday, March 21,2025 at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1PM with Pastor Larry Crawford officiating. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Lincoln.

She was the youngest of seven children and is survived by one brother, Gary Liesman and two sisters: Margaret “Maggie” (Gary) Lawson and Cora Lee “Corky” (Mark) Young. Neecy married Stephen”Steve” Vinyard Sr. on October 21st, 1978 he survives her. Together they had two sons, Stephen “Vinnie” (Kenna) Vinyard and Darren (Kristina) Vinyard. Her sons gave her five grandchildren: Quentin Vinyard (18), Deacan Vinyard (18), Abigail Snellen (13), Savanna Vinyard (15), and Oaklee Vinyard (7). They all survive her.

Preceding her death are two brothers Orville Dale Liesman and Byron “Barney” Liesman, one sister Carol “Sooky” Liesman, and a nephew Allen Liesman.

Before her prolonged illness, Neecy worked for the state of Illinois for over 30 years and she and Steve owned S&N Fireworks for more than 30 years.

Neecy loved everyone she knew and could light up a room with her smile. She was full of life, honest to the core, and extremely generous. Her boys and grandchildren meant the world to her and she loved to spoil them. She loved shopping for everyone and “boy-oh-boy” could she shop! You could find her in any bingo hall with her favorite girls, or her son. Neecys favorite holiday was Christmas. For many years she and Steve hosted the large family gathering in their home.

Neecy’s boundless love for all of us will be missed but her suffering is over. For all of us that know Him rest in the comfort of his love and know that she is with her Savior, Jesus Christ, knowing we will, one day, be reunited in Heaven.

Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.