Queene B. Neilly was the second of five children born to Mother Sebrie Mae Nickerson Bright and Albert Bright, Sr on December 10, 1947, in Leon County, Florida.

She accepted Christ as her Personal Savior at an early age and had a great and enduring love of God.

She received her education in the Leon County Public School System, where she graduated from the Original Lincoln High School in 1965. Widely known amongst her peers for her joyful and outgoing personality, she was easily crowned Homecoming Queen. She continued her education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), Tallahassee, FL. Excelling academically, she was accepted to the highly competitive and world-renowned FAMU School of Business and Industry.

Queene's passion for learning was unwavering—wherever life took her, she made it a priority to enroll in a university. While living in East Brunswick, New Jersey, she attended Rutgers University in nearby New Brunswick. Later, during her time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she pursued her studies at Temple University.

While living in New Jersey, Queene began working at AT&T in Teaneck. Her exceptional dedication and work ethic quickly set her apart, leading to a historic promotion—she became the first Black woman to serve as a Supervisor in that regional area, which spanned multiple counties. She earned the role by successfully passing a rigorous examination and completing a demanding probationary period, proving herself every step of the way.

A gifted cook, Queene was known for hosting lavish Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, no matter where she called home. Her doors were always open to family and friends, who knew they could count on her for mouthwatering meals and decadent desserts.

In Freeport, Bahamas, Queene's entrepreneurial spirit truly flourished. She owned and operated a beloved bakery that served up irresistible cakes and pies to locals and visitors alike. In addition, she owned and managed a laundromat and a 50-unit apartment complex. Her generosity was legendary—if a tenant was struggling to pay rent, Queene would simply say, "It's okay, take care of your family, I will see you next month."

Queene was never one to sit idle. She was constantly immersed in new projects, traveling, volunteering, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen.

She especially cherished traveling with her son Timothy during his career as a professional tennis player. Their adventures took them across the globe—from tournaments around the U.S. to the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open, which included a memorable three-month stay in Italy. Queene was eagerly preparing to accompany Timothy once more to the US Open in New York, where he had been invited to take part in the Althea Gibson 75th Anniversary Celebration—an honor recognizing his achievements as one of the distinguished African American tennis players. The event included exclusive access to the presidential suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he would be seated among some of the sport's most celebrated athletes, sharing space and stories with today's tennis greats.

Above all, Queene adored her children and grandchildren. She often began conversations with, "I've been praying for all of you," before eagerly asking about their lives and pursuits. As her own travels slowed, she found joy in living vicariously through their experiences.

Queene was a constant source of motivation for her children, always urging them to aim higher—whether it was pursuing further education or striving for advancement in their careers. Whenever they faced challenges or moments of doubt, she would draw from her own experiences and offer reassurance, often saying, "That's nothing. I've been through this, this, and this—you can absolutely get through that." Her strength and resilience became a guiding light for them, reminding them that perseverance runs in their blood.

Her love and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of her one daughter: Tanya Footman, Tallahassee, Florida; three sons, Tony Collins, Tallahassee, Florida, Theodore Neilly, Orlando, Florida and Timothy Neilly, Coconut Creek, Florida. One son-in-law, Andrew Footman Jr.; two daughters-in-law, Sharon Collins and Chelsea Neilly. Eight grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. One brother; Reverend Archie (Jean) Bright; three sisters, Josephine Bright, Waundra (Jerry) Crumbie and Saundra Bright.

"The pain of death has passed; Labor and sorrow ceased, Life's long warfare closed at last, Her soul now found in peace"

Please share your memories of Queene or express condolences to her family through our online guestbook. The online guestbook can be found by scrolling below to the Guestbook box below and clicking on the 'View & Sign' button. You can share your thoughts and memories, upload pictures and/or light a candle.