Frances Bowen Neal

Frances Bowen Neal died peacefully in Cleveland, Mississippi on May 26, 2024.   Visitation will be held Saturday, June 15 (1:00 – 3:00) at the Cleveland Church of Christ (Ronaldman Rd., Cleveland).   A Celebration of Life will follow immediately after at 3:00, also at the Cleveland Church of Christ.  Interment will be held at the New Cleveland Cemetery.   

Frances was born on September 7, 1924 in Friendship, TN.  She graduated from Dyersburg High School and was married to William “Bill” Neal in 1942.   Frances and Bill moved to Cleveland in 1955 and worked together at William P. Neal (Neal & Neal) Accounting Firm for 40 years.  Frances was the office manager at the accounting firm until she retired in 1999.   

Frances was a faithful and dedicated member of the Cleveland Church of Christ for nearly 70 years.   She was committed to the mission of the church locally and worldwide her entire life.  This was evidenced by her life of service, support, active engagement, and generosity in countless faith-based efforts, organizations, and endeavors.  Frances passionately loved the Lord’s church.  

Frances loved people (family, friends, and acquaintances).  She had a keen and genuine interest in the lives of others.   She enjoyed visiting, writing letters, making phone calls, sending cards, and preparing meals.  Frances never met a stranger and never forgot a name or a circumstance.  She was best known for her generous and hospitable spirit and her deep love for her family.  Frances was the beloved matriarch of her family and was highly respected in the church and community.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Lyrene Bowen; her husband, William “Bill” Percy Neal; her son, Charles Robert “Bob” Neal; son-in-law, Lowell Kirkbride; and her brother, Thomas Bowen.

Frances is survived by her loving daughter, Donna Neal Kirkbride; her daughter-in-law, Vail Geer Neal; cherished grandchildren, Lisa Kirkbride Peace (Kelley); David Neal Kirkbride (Christine); Michael Robert Neal (Sarah); William John “Billy” Neal (Stacey); Jennifer Neal Ensor (Matthew); and Brian Bowen Neal (Hannah); great-grandchildren, Easton, Bowen, Wilson, Luke, Ty, Beth Anne, and Ben Kirkbride, Austin, Krista, and Colton Peace, Avery, Ellis and Logan Neal, Suzanna, Molly Beth, Jack Charlotte Kate, and Will Neal, Vail Blue, Katy, and Micah Ensor; along with many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Harding University at harding.edu.  Donations can also be made specifically to the William P. Neal and Frances B. Neal Scholarship for Accounting Majors at Harding University, also at harding.edu.