Willie Mae Neal

Willie Mae Neal, nee Savage, was born to Will and Evalena Savage in Lula, Mississippi on September 21, 1936. She was one of five children. Willie Mae united in marriage to Walter Lee Neal. They left Lula with the intent to relocate to Detroit, Michigan. However, after having a layover in Chicago, Illinois, Chicago is where they called home. Together they had six children. Willie Mae Neal dedicated her life to Jehovah God and symbolized her dedication through water baptism on May 11, 1962 becoming one of Jehovah's Witnesses. As a baptized servant of Jehovah God she was most truly the quintessential mother, both physically as well as spiritually; most recently to two of her great grandchildren, Jasmine and Nacayla. Members from her congregation became to know them well; for they received the same spiritual upbringing as did her children. When it came to food, Sister Neal had some fancy taste buds; whatever she ate had to be seasoned and cooked just right. And she could make a meal out of anything you had, for despite the challenge, she firmly believed in the power of Jehovah always providing for the needs of those asking it of him. She loved Jehovah God and if you spoke a truth of him, she would share your zeal with two simple, but profound words, “That’s right!” Sister Neal was also very aware of her surroundings so because of that, the space that was around her had to be clean. She was known to be very caring, as well as willingly taking you in if you needed help. In harmony with the words at Psalms 27:10 “Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in”, she was the one Jehovah would use to take you in. Her love and willingness to lend a helping hand had no limits. She possessed a big heart and a smile that could cheer you up when you were down. She was direct, yet loving, and she will be missed by all. We look forward to welcoming back our Mother, Sister and Friend soon in the New World. On August 6, 2014, Willie Mae Neal fell asleep in death. She was preceded in death by her parents, two siblings and two sons, Walter Jr. and Lugean. Willie Mae leaves to cherish her memories, four daughters, Gloria (Roy) Pughsley, Jerlean (Vernon) Folkes, Jo Ann (Reginald) Hollimon and Delphine (Derrick) Metcalfe; her two remaining siblings, Minnie Anderson and Robert Rosebud; one sister-in-law, Menta Keys; 9 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Because she was also a Mother to all, she leaves a host of spiritual sons and daughters.

Tributes

Willie Mae Neal

September 21, 1936 - August 6, 2014