WILSON, N.C. (AP) — John McNeil had been home in Wilson for less than two days after his release from a Georgia prison when he set about the sad task of burying his wife.

In death, as in the last years of her life, Anita McNeil had waited for her husband of 22 years, her high school sweetheart, the father of their two sons. Her family and friends believe she tried to wait until he was free, but she died of cancer Feb. 2, 10 days before his release.

She was buried 12 days later, on Valentine's Day, with her husband at her graveside.