1945-2026
Maria S. Neff, 80. Of Pine Bluff, loved traveling, watching her favorite TV shows (especially Bridgerton) and spending time with her family. She was also known for her elaborate decorating, particularly at Halloween and Christmas.
She died February 25, 2026, in Pine Bluff.
Maria was born November 25, 1945, in Ukraine, daughter of Peter and Katherine Schwec.
She migrated to Ellis Island, New York at just 2 and a half years old and graduated from high school in Buffalo, New York.
Maria eventually moved to Arkansas and worked as a secretary for Ogden Foods, John Smith and the Pine Bluff Convention Center. During her working career, she earned her BA from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
She was a life-long catholic, moving her membership from Buffalo, New York to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pine Bluff after moving to Arkansas.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Neff; and a brother, Michael Schwec.
Survivors include her daughter, Katharine “Niki” McCoy (Hershel) of Pine Bluff; son, George Korol of Fleming Island, Florida; brother, Jerry Schwec; sister, Natalie Handzlik (Wally); four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Maria and her late husband, James, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the Chapel of St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Joseph Marconi officiating by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Burial will be private.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, PO Box 7434, Pine Bluff, AR 71611.
