Neila Hood was born in St. Georges, Grenada to Wilfred Hood and Noami Hood (nee Winter). Wilfred was the son of Gabriel Hood, whose brother was Moses, the father of the River Road Hoods. Gabriel's other brothers were Jonas, Joshua, James, and Samuel. Neila's maternal grandfather was a builder who immigrated from Barbados. He was responsible for the construction of many iconic buildings throughout Grenada, some are still standing more than 100 years later and even after Hurricane Ivan. The home where Neila grew up was also built by her grandfather but was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan.

Neila was the first of seven children by Wilfred and Noami, so she spent a great deal of time caring for her younger siblings. She started working at an early age and would dedicate most of her earnings to helping her sister, Roslyn, and youngest brothers, Dudley and John. She was known for her generosity and willingness to help others. Oftentimes, she would invite visitors to the island, such as footballers and cricketers, to her home so they could get some home cooking. She also had many close friends such as Ruby Brown, Eileen Harbin, and the Marryshow sisters (who tragically perished on the Island Queen cruise line).

Neila went to primary school at Wesley Hall. After migrating to the U.S. she attended night school and obtained her G.E.D. She worked at BNY Mellon for almost thirty years and retired at eighty years old. During her time working at BNY Mellon, she received several commendations, and she also experienced some of NYC's worse disasters such as 911 and the Black Out of 2004.

Neila moved to Clifton, New Jersey in 1999 to live with her son and daughter-in-law and she continued living there until her passing in February 2023.

She leaves to mourn her son, Dave, and daughter-in-law, Dorian. Siblings: Brothers Richard, Bradman, John, Charlie, and Haydn Ben Hood; Douglas "Boboy", George "Porgie" and Richie "Reds" Cherubin; and sisters Marcia McKie and Brenda Hood. Many nephews including Rory Hood, Dr. Anthony Hood, Peter Hood, Desmond Hood, Donald Hood, Joe and Chester Palmer, and Dwight Baptiste, and many nieces including Dr. Dawne Hood, Kathie Panzone, June Maisionet, Jennifer Pigage, Maureen Derrick, Lucianne and Anne Marie Hood, Michelle Pitts, Annette George, Margaret, Maria, Celia, and Anne Marie Palmer. Many other relatives, in-laws, and friends.A Special Thank You to Ms. Violet Smith, Neila's caretaker, who has been with our family for almost fifty years and also cared for Neila's parents and sister, Roslyn, who predeceased her.

Viewing and funeral service on Saturday, March 4, 2023, starting at 11:00 am at The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Dr., New York City, 10027. Streaming of the service will be available.

Final interment, St. George's Cemetery, St. George's, Grenada on March 14, 2023