Neoma Mckathan

Neoma B. McKathan, 88 of Orlando, Florida joined our Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 23, 2022. She passed peacefully in her home. Neoma was born in Belleville, Kansas on August 18, 1933. Her father Adolph Blanchard, mother Dorothy Blanchard and sister Iris Blanchard White moved to the Orlando area in their Model T Ford in 1936. She graduated from Orlando High School in 1951 with honors and went to work for various banks and attorneys in Orlando. She married James B "Luke" McKathan in 1952. She supported Luke's endeavors as he pursued training Harness Horses at Ben White Raceway previously located at Lee Road and Edgewater Drive in Orlando, Florida. Luke worked for Billy Houghton who was renowned in the field and followed him to New York in 1954. Neoma decided to join Luke for a short time in New York on Long Island while 5 months pregnant. She did not shy away from new experiences. After returning to Florida, Luke became involved in Florida's quarter horse industry. In the early 60's he decided to take Florida bred quarter horses out West for quarter horse racing. Neoma and their daughter traveled to New Mexico, Arizona, and California in a dilapidated pick-up truck and a horse van (which upon arriving at their destination, they converted to living quarters). Neoma drove over and around the western state's mountain ranges when all she had ever experienced was flat lands. She always said that she wasn't particularly interested in horses. She was interested in traveling and seeing the country, so she went.

After divorcing in 1965, she began her career in the Central Florida banking industry. She eventually became a Vice President at Amerifirst Savings and Loans, ultimately retiring as a Vice President of SunTrust.

Neoma was very devoted to her family and Lockhart Baptist Church, which she considered her Church Family. Neoma accepted Christ in her life and became a lifelong member of Lockhart Baptist Church in 1950. Her 72 year membership is the longest in church records. She taught Sunday School and served on multiple committees, played the piano and organ, later becoming a choir member.

Neoma was a strong, smart, beautiful, independent woman who had an incredible understanding of business and the Bible. She was kind, funny, and generous. She had a deep understanding of people and their vulnerabilities. She understood struggles, and therefore, did not judge. God used it as a ministry to others. The standards she set for herself and the life she lived will always be an inspiration.

Neoma is survived by her daughter, Brenda McKathan Conyers, and son-in law, Rusty H. Conyers of Orlando, Florida; and preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Dorothy Blanchard, and her daughter, Linda: she is also survived by her beloved grandson, Russell J. Conyers of Mt. Dora, Florida; her sister, Iris White, and brother-in-law, Leon White of Fern Park, Florida; her nephew Rodney White of Fern Park, Florida; her niece Terri White Stevens and husband Darren Stevens of Longwood, Florida; her great nephews, Dustin Stevens and family of Marietta, Georgia and Kyle Stevens and family of Longwood, Florida.