Carmelita Neal

It is with a heavy heart that I report the loss of my mother and best friend, Carmelita Neal. A service in her honor is being held at her church, First United Methodist Church in Niceville on Tuesday December 3rd at 10:00, with a small reception to follow.

Carmelita was the late daughter of Edward and Mae Belle Keffer and was extremely proud to be a coal miner's daughter. She was born in a small coal mining town in Marting, W.Va. on January 12, 1938. In her 75 years, she touched many lives. Carmelita was a critical care nurse that worked for several years at Twin Cities Hospital before retiring.

She was a member of the Woman's Club of Niceville, FL where she received the Key to the city of Niceville for the work she did. Much of her time and devotion was spent supporting her late son David's dream in the founding of the OASIS organization (Okaloosa Aids Support and Information Services).

She is preceded in death by her husband Larry Neal and son David Neal and daughter Valerie Neal. Carmelita leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Michael Darby of Panama City Beach, three grandchildren Kristina McCraw and husband Clinton McCraw, Caitlin Susman and grandson Nickolas Darby. She also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Collin and Sophia McCraw and Isabella Bonner. Her sister-in-law Shirley Neal, her brother-in-law Gary Neal and life partner Donna Dixon along with, her sister Jo Ann Morris and her niece and nephew Gina Morris and Herb Morris.

She leaves behind a very special friend Fread Mears, who brought so much joy in such a small amount of time. Her dog Tucker is also mourning her loss.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to OASIS (850)314-0950, 1825 Hulbert Road Unit # 13 Fort Walton Beach, FL. 32547. They also accept donations securely through their website at www.aidsoasis.org.