Hilton Head, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Judy Neeley, a community favorite and exceptional baker known for her four-layer coconut cream cake, passed away on September 1, 2025. Residing in Hilton Head since 2011, she was a beacon of warmth and creativity in the kitchen, leaving a legacy of family traditions and baking excellence. Her commitment to using quality ingredients and engaging with her community made her a cherished figure. In her memory, her family plans to share her key lime sour cream poundcake recipe, highlighting the joy she brought through her delicious creations.
Hilton Head, South Carolina – Judy Neeley, a beloved baker and cherished community member, passed away on September 1, 2025. She was renowned for her impressive baking skills, most famously for her four-layer coconut cream cake, which became a staple at Plantation Café and Deli in Hilton Head for over a decade.
Born and raised in Greenwood, South Carolina, Neeley was known affectionately as “MiMom” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After relocating to Hilton Head in 2011, she lived independently for the first time following the death of her husband, Richard. Neeley’s baking talent extended beyond her renowned coconut cream cake; her extensive repertoire included recipes for German chocolate cake, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, key lime sour cream poundcake, strawberry muffins, and lemon meringue pie, each made with high-quality ingredients.
Judy’s meticulous baking process involved using premium ingredients like White Lily Flour, Baker’s Angel Flake Coconut, and Mexican vanilla, ensuring her creations stood out in taste and quality. Her philosophy centered around the belief that “you get out what you put in,” a lesson she imparted to her four children and embodied through family traditions in the kitchen.
A woman of unshakeable faith and a positive outlook on life, Judy Neeley was also known for her genuine curiosity about others, often engaging deeply with everyone she met. Judy enjoyed simple pleasures, such as drinking coffee with her daughter while watching old game shows, illustrating her love for family and joy in life’s smaller moments. Her influence extended even to her granddaughters, who have taken to baking with proficiency, already adept at operating a KitchenAid mixer.
In her memory, the family has decided to share her key lime sour cream poundcake recipe as a tribute to her legacy. Although her famous coconut cream cake recipe remains a treasured family heirloom, this gesture highlights her impact on those around her and her commitment to sharing love through baking.
Judy Neeley’s life story is one of resilience and warmth, rooted in her humble beginnings on her grandfather’s land. Her past as a majorette and being crowned Miss Greenwood South showcases her vibrant spirit from a young age. Through her baked goods and the bonds she forged with her family and community, her spirit will continue to live on.
Legacy and Impact on the Community
Judy’s influence reached far beyond her kitchen. Her attention to detail, quality, and love reflected in her baking made her a beloved figure in Hilton Head. Many residents fondly remember walking into the café and being welcomed by the aroma of her creations. Her personality and dedication to her craft have left a lasting impact on the community, ensuring she will not be forgotten.
Summary of Judy Neeley’s Contributions
- Famous for: Four-layer coconut cream cake
- Additional baked goods: German chocolate cake, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, key lime sour cream poundcake, strawberry muffins, lemon meringue pie
- Residence: Hilton Head since 2011
- Background: Grew up on her grandfather’s land, majorette, Miss Greenwood South
- Legacy: Family traditions and recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Judy Neeley known for?
Judy Neeley was known for her exceptional baking skills, particularly her four-layer coconut cream cake, and a variety of other beloved desserts.
When did she pass away?
Judy Neeley passed away on September 1, 2025.
What kind of ingredients did Judy use in her baking?
She focused on high-quality ingredients such as White Lily Flour, Baker’s Angel Flake Coconut, and Mexican vanilla.
What recipe has the family decided to share in her memory?
The family plans to share her key lime sour cream poundcake recipe as a tribute to her legacy.
Key Features of Judy Neeley’s Life and Baking
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Residence | Hilton Head since 2011 |
| Famous Recipe | Four-layer coconut cream cake |
| Other Popular Recipes | German chocolate cake, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, key lime sour cream poundcake, strawberry muffins, lemon meringue pie |
| Background | Grew up on her grandfather’s land in Greenwood, South Carolina; majorette; Miss Greenwood South |
| Family Heritage | Taught family traditions in baking |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Coconut Cream Cake and a Life Well Lived for Hilton Head’s Miss Judy
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- News Break: Judy Neeley’s Legacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baking
- Google Search: Hilton Head baker Judy Neeley
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
