Mary Evelyn Mitchell Neal

Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:25-26

Mary Evelyn Mitchell Neal was born on September 16, 1938 in Picayune, Mississippi, the second of nine children, to Vent and Margaret Mitchell. She left this earth on December 31, 2020.

Mary Evelyn’s greatest joy, in this life, was her family. She loved unconditionally, and was quick to express that love. She was mother to five by birth, and three by marriage, but she invested in the lives of countless others. Younger siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends, her children’s friends and her grandchildren, were among those welcome to put their feet under her table. There was always room for one more. On any given day they would enjoy a hot biscuit, a piece of fried chicken or a homemade hamburger and fresh french fries, all prepared with a joyful heart. Hospitality was her gift and she shared it with everyone who found their way to her door. Mary Evelyn also gave of herself by serving, alongside her husband, Warren, in various ministries at Magnolia Baptist Church, and throughout the community.However, her sweet and gentle demeanor hid a couple surprises. Her strong, shrill whistle could be heard through the woods as she beckoned her children home in the evenings. But it was her unexpected passion for PBR bull riding which cut short some Sunday family dinners, so she could catch Chris Shivers’ championship rides. Prior to her retirement from the US Postal Service, Mary Evelyn delivered letters and packages, along what was, at that time, the second longest rural route in the United States. The long miles she was alone on the mail route necessitated her changing many flat tires, adding oil to the car and contending with many other automotive emergencies.

Mary Evelyn is survived by her children,

Reggie Neal (Margie), Risha Neal, Ritchie Neal (Lisa), Ronda Neal and daughter-in-law, Cheryl Neal, her grandchildren Josh Neal (Stella), Jacob Neal (Erin),

C.C. Hutchinson (Hunter), Mandy Jenkins, Ryan Neal (Krista), Regan Navarre (Adam), Damian Parks (Aimee), and Deanna Livingston (Chase).

Also surviving Mary Evelyn are her great-grandchildren, Ben and Briggs Neal, Beau, Torrey and Lorelai Neal, Sawyer Hutchinson, Liam Jenkins and Ahri Livingston, her sister, Wilda Louque (Buford) and sisters-in-law, Fayrene Mitchell and Annie Lou Mitchell.

Mary Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Vent and Margaret Mitchell, her husband, Warren Neal, her son, Randall Neal, her grandson, T.J. Jenkins and siblings, JoAnn Mitchell Moore, Sharon Mitchell Aime, Martha Gayle Mitchell, Thaddeus, Lenell, Glen and Jerry Mitchell.

Pallbearers will be Josh Neal, Jacob Neal, Hunter Hutchinson, Ryan Neal, Adam Navarre, Damian Parks and Chase Livingston. Honorary pallbearers will be,

C.C. Hutchinson, Mandy Jenkins, Regan Navarre and Deanna Livingston.

Family and friends will be received at Magnolia Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Magnolia Baptist Church on Tuesday at 2:00 pm, with  Rev. Alton Foster, officiating

Interment will follow at Neal Cemetery in Holden Louisiana, Louisiana.

Face masks are mandatory to attend any visitation or service at the funeral home and we ask that you maintain a respectful distance with the family. Thank you for your cooperation.

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