Mother Willie Neal

Passed away Friday, June 13, 2014 at the age of 95 years. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2014 at New Life Ministries, 1401 Janes Street. Dr. Rufus Bradley, Sr. will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Thursday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. “The Lord is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Mother Willie Neal has fought the good fight, she has finished her course. She has taken wings and she is now resting in the arms of the Lord. Mother Neal made her transition on Friday, June 13, 2014 at the age of 95 years. She was born May 22, 1919 in Tunica, MS to Will Nelson and Blanchie Huggins. Mother Neal married Leslie Neal, Sr. in 1942 in Clarksdale, MS. He preceded her in death in 1986. To that union 4 children were born. She accepted Christ at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church in Indianola, MS. Willie was a member of New Life Ministries, where she was faithful until her health failed. She was involved in a number of activities in the church. Willie was employed at the Gase Baking Company and subsequently retired from the maintenance department at the Saginaw County Courthouse in 1984, after 30 years of service. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, gardening, sewing quilts and entertaining family and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, Blanche E. Williams; one special grandson that she raised, Leslie Neal III of Saginaw, MI; four grandchildren, Aaron P. Williams of Pueblo, CO, Dexter T. Williams of Tampa, FL, Justice Bent of Hamilton, Ontario and Verna Neal of Saginaw, MI; 17 great-grandchildren; she was blessed with a God-daughter, Katherine Davis; special grandchildren, Shawn Davis and Derra Davis; 5 special great-grandchildren; 4 great-nieces; 2 great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be sadly missed by her special caregiver, Mary Ellen Butler, the Super Seniors Life Development Sunday School Class of New Life Ministries and her church family. Mother Neal was preceded in death by her parents, Will Nelson and Blanche Huggins; her husband, Leslie Neal, Sr.; 3 children; one sister; one granddaughter, Megale A. Williams of Saginaw, MI; one niece; and one son-in-law, Aaron "A A" Williams. The family would like to express special thanks to Pastor Rufus Bradley and the New Life Ministries church family, including the prayer warriors, to the Covenant Medical Center and visiting nurses.

Mother Willie Neal

May 22, 1919 - June 13, 2014