Sad news came from Cleveland, Tennessee Thursday Nov. 15 with the passing of Blythewood Farm matriarch Betty Neil. Mrs. Neil made a tremendous contribution to the American Saddlebred community through her Blythewood Farm. Purchased for her as a little girl by her father, the late Blythe Mayfield, Blythewood Farm has been an integral part of the American Saddlebred industry since 1942 when Betty and David Neil were married before he went off to war. When he returned from war, Mr. Mayfield had passed away, and David and Betty set up residence on the family farm, breeding, developing and showing world class American Saddlebreds for decades. After David’s untimely death in 1965, Bess kept their dream alive and took over the management of Blythewood Farms. Bess continued their dream for over 50 years and with her daughter, Anne Neil, produced many World’s Champion horses. Blythewood has won numerous World’s Champion and Reserve World’s Champion classes over the years. Betty would have celebrated her 100th birthday this coming December 21.

She is survived by her daughters, Margot Neil Everhart and Anne Mayfield Neil; her grandson John Blythe Everhart and wife Lou Everhart; granddaughter Mary Key Everhart Waller and husband Jordia Waller; great-grandchildren Mary Pearson Waller, Treutlen Elizabeth Waller and Harrison Blythe Everhart.

The Neil Family will be celebrating her life with a gathering Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at 4 p.m. at the Museum at 5 Points (200 Inman Street, East Cleveland, TN  37311). All are welcome to come, visit and share in the celebration of a great life lived by a wonderful woman.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The American Saddlebred Museum, 4083 Ironworks Parkway, Lexington, Ky. 40511 and Tri-State Exhibition Center, 200 Natures Trail, McDonald, TN 37353.