Ethel McNeal

Ethel Lee McNeal was called home to be with our lord and savior, on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at the Darlington House Nursing and Rehab Center, where she was a resident for 4 years. Ethel was born September 10, 1908, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, to John and Fannie Hill. She was married to the late John D. McNeal on March 29, 1929. They were married 42 years and had six children. The family moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1942, relocating to Toledo, Ohio in 1950. Ethel accepted Christ at an early age. Until her illness, she was a faithful member of the United Missionary Baptist Church. She was the last surviving member of the original Mother's Board, where she served as the treasurer. She also was a member of the Blue Star Mother's Club. Ethel was a loving and devoted mother, and wife. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She like listening to gospel music, Mahalia Jackson being her favorite singer. She took pride in and enjoyed domestic work. She was employed by the prominent Joseph family and the Goodman family of Toledo, Ohio. In addition to her parents and grandparents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers, four sisters, son, Thomas R. McNeal, Sr.; daughter, Patricia D. McNeal; two grandsons, Ronald D. McNeal Parks and Thomas R. McNeal, Jr. She is lovingly survived by her children, Johnnie M. Pender of Marion, Ohio, Martha J. McFollins, Columbus, Ohio, Barbara A. Parks (Edgar), Toledo, Ohio and James E. McNeal of Toledo, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Rosia L. McNeal of Wilson, North Carolina; sisters, Hattie A. Kersey of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Pauline A. Powell of Toledo, Ohio; brother, James E. Hill of Spartanburg, South Carolina; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Visitation will be held at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home on Monday, January 21, 2008, from 4-7 p.m. Wake services, Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at 11 a.m., with funeral services at 12 p.m., at the United Missionary Baptist Church located at 2705 Monroe Street. Pastor Robert G. Bass, officiating. Interment the Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Darlington House Nursing and Rehab Center nurses and aides for their loving care, support, and compassion. A special thanks to Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the special care she was given in the past few weeks before her transition to glory.