Mary Etta Neiland, 91, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2026.
Born September 8, 1934, to a sharecropper family in Gamaliel, Kentucky, Mary Etta’s life was filled with hard work, faith, service, and love. In 1936, she moved with her parents to Franklin, Tennessee, where she grew up at Harlinsdale Farm, a renowned Tennessee Walking Horse farm.
After graduating from Franklin High School in 1952, Mary Etta attended the University of Tennessee, where she earned a degree in Home Economics with a minor in Childhood Education. She then moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where she worked for Huntsville Utilities and provided education and training on new household appliances to families, businesses, and community organizations.
In 1959, she married Victor Neiland, a mechanical engineer with NASA, and together they raised three sons.
Her passion for teaching and nurturing young children led Mary Etta to establish Happy Times Preschool in 1984. She devoted nearly three decades to creating a caring environment where countless children took their first steps into learning. She believed children learn best through developmentally appropriate activities. She created a unique curriculum that embodies the Happy Times motto, “Play With A Purpose.”
Her influence extended beyond the classroom, touching generations of families throughout the Huntsville community. She remained active until her retirement in 2013. In 2025, a playground at the preschool was dedicated in her honor.
Mary Etta found great joy in spending time with her grandchildren and traveling the country with her family. She loved welcoming friends and loved ones into her home, cooking amazing meals, and playing bridge with close friends.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. A longtime member of Central Church of Christ, she faithfully taught Sunday School for more than 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vanus Harlin Hayes and Maurie Welch Hayes; her brother, James Hayes; her sister-in-law, Judy Hayes; and her son, Hayes Neiland.
She is survived by her sons, Dr. John Neiland (Michele) of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Bill Neiland (Teri) of Huntsville, Alabama; and by her grandchildren, Hayes Neiland, Clay Neiland (Megan), Claire Dahm (Jake), and Callie Neiland.
A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held on June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Family Life Center of Central Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama.
Memorial donations may be made to Happy Times Preschool (in care of Central Church of Christ) or to His Way Recovery Center.
