In loving memory of Mollie Neal
Mother Mollie Neal (nee Finch) was born on February 6, 1928, to the late Mellie and Harvey Finch. She was one of five children (Berlin, James, Winfield, Elnora) of that union. A native of Pickens County Alabama, Mollie relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1956 as a young adult with her husband Houston Neal and daughter Cardelius (aka Connie). Two other daughters Deborah and Shirley were born of this union while in Ohio.
Mollie came to Christ as a young child while attending Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Pickens County. As an adult, living in Cleveland, she remained an active and faithful member of St. James Baptist Church, and for over fifty years at Unity Baptist Church, serving as an usher, Co-Chair and Chairwoman of the special Pastor’s Anniversary Celebrations, and many other auxiliaries. Mollie also proudly served for years as a member of the OES (Eastern Star Rising Heights) on Buckeye.
In 1985 Mollie’s only granddaughter, Dr. Dana Stephanie Prewitt was born. She was the love of her life! In 2022, Mollie relocated to Ventura, California where she lived with daughters Shirley, Connie, a son in law, Rev. Dr. Edward L. Cryer, and step grandson, Eric Hopgood.
After a brief illness, Mollie departed this life peacefully in her sleep just weeks before her 96th birthday on January 11, 2024. Left to cherish her memory but mourn her loss are three daughters, Connie Neal-Young (Harold-deceased) of Ventura, California; Deborah Neal-Prewitt (Duward Jr,) of Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Shirley Neal (Rev. Dr. Edward Cryer) of Ventura, California, granddaughter, Dr. Dana Stephanie Prewitt of St. Louis, Missouri, one sister in law, Joella Spencer of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, one brother in law, Jack Neal, Jr. of Ethelsville, Alabama. And a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family, extended family, and friends.
Goodbye Mommy
A million times we will miss you,
A million times we will cry.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else can ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
The Golden Gates stood open,
God said you needed a rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
Because He always picks the best.
We praise God for your life and love!
Your Girls,
Connie, Debbie, Shirley, Dana
Acknowledgement
The family of Mollie Neal wish to express their gratitude for the many acts of kindness shown during their hour of bereavement. May God Bless.