Peggy Lorene Barbee Neal, age 80, of Seale, Alabama, entered her eternal rest on September 5, 2025, in Dassel, Minnesota. She was born on August 11, 1945, in Phenix City, Alabama, to the late Jesse and Alma Barbee.
Peggy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Prentiss Danforth (Dan) Neal, Jr., her parents Jesse and Alma Barbee, her stepmother Gladys Barbee, her siblings Vernard Barbee, Nadine Barbee Cunningham, and Steve Barbee.
She is survived by her children, Prentiss Danforth (Danny) Neal III (Joannah Neal) of Columbus, Georgia and Julie Neal Rydberg (Andrew Rydberg) of Litchfield, Minnesota; her treasured grandchildren, Parker and Mary Beth Neal, and Asher, Simon, and Jonas Rydberg. Peggy’s life was one of deep devotion to her family, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and faith.
Peggy graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and went on to serve the State of Alabama for more than 20 years as a social worker, case manager, and probate officer. After retiring from the state, she homeschooled Julie from kindergarten all the way to high school graduation. Later in life, she spent three years teaching kindergarten at Grace Christian School in Columbus, Georgia.
On December 2, 1967, Peggy married Dan at Central Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama, beginning a lifelong journey of partnership, service, and love.
A woman of faith and service, Peggy was a Master Gardener, Sunday School teacher, and faithful member of Grace Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. In later years, she was active at Shepherd’s Fold Baptist Church.
A Visitation for family and friends of Peggy will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 5:00-7:00PM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus, Georgia.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, officiated by Pastor Seth Hon, with a luncheon to follow. A private family graveside service will be held at Linwood Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shepherd’s Fold Baptist Church.
