Marilyn Jean Neale, 88, of Springfield, passed away on Friday April 4, 2025 at her residence. She was born on October 2, 1936 in Dearborn, Michigan to John P. Stevenson and Merle Tippett Stevenson. Marilyn married Robert Neale on March 28, 1958 and he survives.
Mrs. Neale is also survived by two sons: Matthew Lee Neale of St. Louis, MO., and Timothy Daniel Neale of Texas and one granddaughter Alicia Ann Neale of St. Louis.
Marilyn worked as the Secretary to the Illinois Director of Natural Heritage and also for the State Journal Register. She was a gifted vocalist who assisted her husband with his church ministry and was heavily involved with Baptist children’s ministry. Reverend and Mrs. Neale pastored several churches in Ohio, Florida, West Virginia and Illinois. Marilyn won several awards at the Illinois State Fair for fruit preserves, salsa and pickles.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Friday April 11, 2025 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 East Allen Street, with burial to follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 8:30am until the time of service Friday at Bisch and Son. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bill Rice Ranch Inc., 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road, Murfreesboro, TN 37128 and condolences may be left at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.
