Alfred Neal,

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at the Wolverine State Baptist Headquarters, 615 S. Jefferson Ave. Pastor Vincent McMillon, Sr. will officiate with interment in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at St. Paul Baptist Church, 120 N. 15th Street on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m., where the family will be present at 7:00 p.m. for the family hour. Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and friend went home to be with the Lord Saturday, September 16, 2006, surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alfred (Sonny) Neal, Sr. was born on February 11, 1938 in Greenville, MS to Melvin Neal, Sr. and Mildred Cannon-Robinson. He graduated from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS, where he also accepted Christ and was baptized at the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. There was no doubt that he loved the Lord and his favorite Bible verse was Matthew 16:13-17. He would share with anyone that would listen how much he loved and was proud of his family. Due to his talkative nature, Al was also nicknamed "Gabby". He never met a stranger and people never forgot "Al Neal" once they met him. He enjoyed sharing stories and thrived on being the life of the party. Those that knew him knew that Al was an avid golfer. He played in numerous tournaments and won many trophies over the years. Even his final days were spent enjoying his favorite past time. He retired from the State of Michigan after 30 years of service. He was employed at Browne's Mortuary, where he enjoyed comforting others and the camaraderie of his colleagues. He was a former Union Representative for the State of Michigan, a former Board Member for the Buena Vista School District, and served as a former Township Trustee. He was an active member at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a vice-chairman of the Trustee Board. His memory will be cherished by his devoted wife of 40 years, Joyce Neal; four children, Charinita (Lester) McDonald, Andrea (Andre) Cisco, both of Cleveland, OH, Alfred (Leslie) Neal, Jr. and Nicole (Rocelious) Goodson, both of Detroit, MI; nine grandchildren, Shanika, Antonio, Charmel, Dannita, Shelby, Sydney, Andre II, Arion, and Ryan; two great-grandchildren, Kayla and Jaida; two brothers, Melvin Jr. (Hazel) and Rayford (Denise); one sister, Melva (Louis); eight brothers-in-law, Roosevelt (Clemetta), John (Maxine), Woodrow (Doris), Melvin (Lois), George (Janice), Fitzsimmon (Rayunza), Lawrence and Raymond; three sisters-in-law, Savannah (John), Cathy (Frank) and Laverne; one uncle, Jerome (Bessie); special cousins, Betty (Gloster), Carolyn (Don), Janet (Delaine), Sandra and Roy; godchildren, Regina, Serina, Sherelle, Janee and Alese; special niece, LaNasia Hood and a host of other relatives, friends, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Robinson; father, Melvin Neal, Sr., stepfather, Willie L. Robinson; aunt, Lucy Robinson and uncle, Joseph Collins. In lieu of flowers, please consider monetary donations to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Alfred A. Neal, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Alfred Neal,

February 11, 1938 - September 16, 2006