Rebecca Joyce Neal

Becky was a loving wife to her husband Tom for over fifty-four years. She was a devoted mother to her four sons. She was “Mamaw” to her ten grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Becky lived a life dedicated to her husband, to her family, to her church family, but mostly, to her Saviour. She truly “lived” her life verse in Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

As a pastor’s wife for thirty-three years, Becky was her church’s organist throughout this time. She was an accomplished vocalist, known for her heartfelt solos of “New Grace,” “The God of the Mountain,” and “Tears Are a Language That God Understands.” She taught a ladies Sunday school class for over twenty-five years, where all in attendance were sure to receive some Bible teaching and a full breakfast spread every week.

Becky was an avid soulwinner, leading thousands to Christ throughout her lifetime. For over twenty years, she directed her church’s Phoster Club, a soulwinning group for ladies, where she taught dozens of other ladies how to share the Gospel.

She was a remarkable educator, helping to start multiple Christians schools. Throughout the decades, she taught elementary through high school-aged children. She also instructed young ladies in Bible college, preparing them for lives of service to Christ.

Becky is remembered by those who loved her most for her sweet spirit, infectious laugh, and signature southern drawl. Her words, “Happy spirit,” are said even today to children by mothers who learned how to parent from her example. She was like a “mom” to many young ladies throughout the years, to whom she passed on many homemaking skills. Her love of gardening and decorating barely paled in comparison to her delicious cooking, including her unforgettable, world-famous buttermilk biscuits.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her son, Brent; and her granddaughter, Amanda. She is survived by her husband Tom; her sons, Greg, Mark, and Tim; nine grandchildren; one great grandchild; and countless numbers of friends and church family.

Becky Neal was loved by so many for her selfless compassion, generous spirit, and kind heart. Her gift of loving others left a lasting legacy on all that knew her. Her life was the embodiment of what the Christian life should be: serving Christ by living for others.