Olivia Neall

Olivia Ward Swann Neall, 92, passed away on September 17, 2025, after a long life devoted to her family, many friends, and Jesus Christ. She was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and was a 1951 graduate of Ensley High School.

Olivia was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and soft Southern accent that we often don’t hear any longer. Olivia and husband, Earle, a soldier in training from Philadelphia, PA, spotted each other at a beach bonfire and a romance for a lifetime was born. They raised three children while living in Birmingham, AL, Florence, AL and Decatur, AL before moving in later years to Signal Mountain, TN. Civic activities were serving in the Red Cross and Mother Singers in Florence, AL and Mental Health Association and the Red Cross while in Decatur, AL. Her greatest pleasure was serving her church wherever they lived. She was a Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian, Decatur, AL and she was an Elder, bible moderator and small group leader at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. Wherever she lived she sang in the church choir and was a soloist. Garden Club of Signal Mountain and PEO philanthropic Society were other interests. But her favorite pastime was as a collector of friends. Till recently, she remained in contact with many from childhood and cities wherever the family lived.

Olivia is predeceased by her husband Edwin Earle Neall, Jr., sisters Barbara Humber and Louise Mosca, parents James Fletcher and Bertha Lawrence Swann, namesake aunt, Olivia Ward Swann, grandparents Fletcher E. and Lyda James Swann and Sholl E. and Candace Miller Lawrence.

She is survived by her three children, or six children as she would insist, Diane Neall Mizell (Terry), Signal Mountain, TN, David Lawrence Neall (Jane), Signal Mountain, TN, Jane Olivia Neall James (Harlan), Dunwoody, GA. She was Meme to six grandchildren, Benjamin Sims Mizell (Julie), Greenville, SC, Elizabeth Rosser Mizell Cash (Matt), Marietta, GA, Rebecca Jane Neall McCaw (Nickie), Beverly, MA, Sarah Katherine Neall (Daniel Kemper), New York, NY, William Fletcher James (Casey) Manhattan, NY, and Virginia Adelaide James, Dunwoody, GA. She was blessed to welcome nine great grandchildren, Keith McCaw, Daniel McCaw, Banks Mizell, Evelyn Mizell, Sims Mizell, Lachlan Cash, Olivia Cash, Caroline Cash and Nora Claire Kemper-Neall.

A Memorial Service will be held at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Signal Mountain, TN, 11:00 AM, October 18, 2025, with visitation from 9:30-11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in her memory, to Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church. A private burial will take place in North Carolina at a family cemetery at a future date.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com