Virginia "Gina" Neale

Born on May 1, 1948, in Memphis, TN, to Bill and Virginia Parrett, Gina, as she was affectionately known, joined her brother and first best friend, Thomas, born in 1944. Together, they completed the tight-knit Parrett family.

Gina was blessed to grow up in an idyllic neighborhood called the Eastern Cove in Memphis, filled to the brim with other children her age. It was there that she met her lifelong friend, Randa Ragan, at the age of 2 years old. She would be her trusted confidant and sister-friend for over 75 years.

Gina was a devout Catholic and a proud member of the Girl Scouts, where she met her lifelong friends Pat Moody and Julie Lineberry. She cherished spending her summers at camp, going from camper to eventual counselor. Her moniker during her affiliation with this storied organization was “Rudder”, given her advanced skill as a sailor. She was a proclaimed “Sailboat Queen”, later becoming a member of the local regatta in Memphis.

Gina graduated from Memphis State with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. During the summer of 1970, she met a young dental student, Dr. William S. Neale, who would become her husband of 54 years. Following their wedding on Feb 27, 1971, the young couple relocated to a U.S. military base located in Turkey for Dr. Neale to begin his military service career in the United States Air Force. There, they would welcome their firstborn, William Adam, later that year.

Gina’s greatest joy in life was being a mother, a role she embraced with complete devotion and absolute joy. More children followed as Bill’s career took them from Turkey to California, where Rebecca Diane was born, then to Texas, and North Carolina, where David Thomas was born, before finally settling in Bill’s hometown of Wichita Falls, TX, where Gina focused on creating a loving home for her family.

With her competitive spirit and sharp mind, she dominated any game she played. She was a lifelong enthusiast of Bridge and Mahjong and played weekly for most of her life. She was an avid reader, a proud trait she passed down to her children and grandchildren. Her favorite thing in the world once grandbabies arrived was spending time with them. They were all the light of her life, and her proudest achievements.

Her magnetic personality, joy, and positivity drew people in quickly. She had the most contagious laugh - you just could not help but smile when around her, and because of this, she had a huge circle of friends. She devoted her life to taking care of everyone. Life presented some significant health challenges, but she did not let those limit her or define her, and she never once complained.

Gina is preceded in death by her dear parents and brother. She leaves behind her beloved family, her legacy: husband, Bill; son Adam (Margarete), daughter Becca (Brian Havins), son

David (Elisa Aguilar); grandchildren -Taylor Majewski (Kelsey Defosse), Zoe Neale, Chase Havins, Riley Havins, and Josh Patin; as well as her cherished “out-laws”, the Majewski/Guess family.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 20th, from 6-8 pm at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home. A celebration of life mass will be held on Saturday, February 21st, at 10 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace. The family would love for everyone to join them for refreshments at 12 pm located at 815 Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her memory by planting a tree, making a donation to St. Jude’s Hospital, or setting out on an adventure that celebrates her vibrant spirit, her appreciation for new experiences, and how deeply she loved life.

Finally, in her own parting words: be smart, be good, be wonderful. I love you.