Bessie Mae Neal

Bessie Mae Howard Neal, 64, died Thursday, April 1, 2021 at her home in Sikeston, Missouri. She was born January 19, 1957 in Huntersville, Missouri to the late George and Florence Howard. Bessie was one of nine siblings: four boys and five girls. She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Mary Howard and Evon (Jerome) Howard Beasley, one brother, Allen Howard, two grandchildren, Kristen Harris Howard and Christien Jones Howard, and one great grandchild, Angel Price. She confessed in Christ at an early age.

On April 21, 1994, Bessie met the love of her life, Luegean Neal. Bessie was a devoted wife and loved her some “Blue”. They became as one June 14, 2001. He survives of the home.

Bessie was employed for many years as a CNA until changing her profession to factory work. Bessie was a hard and dedicated worker until her health started to decline.

Bessie was a strong woman who was devoted to her children and grandchildren. She loved family gatherings, playing cards, Bingo with her girls, dancing, and traveling down to Memphis, Tennessee to be with her in-laws.

Bessie leaves to cherish her precious memories, her husband, Luegean Neal: three sons, Christopher Howard, Don Fletcher, Jr. of Sikeston, MO, Dasmone Fletcher of Poplar Bluff, MO, three stepsons, Mecos Neal of Poplar Bluff, MO, Luegean and Keith Bates of Memphis, TN; two daughters, Chaka (Randy) Murray of Sikeston, MO and Cora (Otis) Howard of Charleston, MO; two stepdaughters, Tiffany and Shalonda Bates of Memphis, TN; two grandchildren of the home that she raised Ja’Queshia Howard and La-Kyron Shannon, both of Sikeston, MO; three brothers, James Howard, Sr. of Chicago, IL; David and Sidney Howard of Sikeston, MO; two sisters, Joyce (Ollie) Lewis and Estella Fox of Sikeston, MO; nine sisters-in-law and thirteen brothers-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Bessie also has a special friend/Bingo partner, Lillie Banks.

She had a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends that mean so much to her.

Friends may call Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 1:00 P.M at Green Memorial Church of God in Christ in Sikeston, Missouri where Elder Charlie Green, III, is Pastor and Pastor Clayton Willis of Divine Second Chance will officiate. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery with the Williams Funeral Homes of Sikeston in charge of arrangements.