Interstate matriarch was ‘powerful, behind-the-scenes’ figure

By , Daily Memphian Updated: June 18, 2025 7:31 PM CT | Published: June 18, 2025 7:22 PM CT

“It’s because of the love we had that I’m able to be here and be OK,” said Jim Neely, her husband of 45 years, Wednesday. 

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Special Obituary Jim Neely's Interstate Bar-B-Q Interstate Bar-B-Q
Ellen Chamberlain

Ellen Chamberlain

Ellen Chamberlain is a global citizen who is happy to call Memphis her forever home. The Michigan native has worked in media for nearly 25 years as a radio broadcaster, journalist and ghostwriter. As The Daily Memphian’s food and restaurant writer, she gives readers inside perspectives of their favorite restaurants and the people behind them, suggestions for the best bites around town and the latest food news from in and around Shelby County.


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