Betty Neal

Betty Barnes Neal passed away February 10, 2011 at Wood Dale Health Care Center after an extended illness. She was born May 9, 1924 in Claxton, Georgia, the eldest child of Dr. Robert Oscar Barnes and Nina Cook Barnes.
Betty was the Valedictorian of the Claxton High School Class of 1941, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Home Economics from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She moved to Dalton where she taught Home Economics at Dalton High School until marrying local businessman, John P. Neal, Jr. Upon marriage, she retired to devote her time to her family, her church and caring for her friends.
Betty was a member of the First Methodist Church of Dalton for over 65 years, where she taught children’s Sunday School and was active in United Methodist Women. She was a Board member and volunteer for Friendship House, and served Meals-on-Wheels, the Salvation Army Food Bank and other ministries. Throughout her life, she shared her love for people with her many phone calls, visits, letter-writing, and cooking. She was a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. While she will be missed by all who knew her, her family celebrates the assurance of her eternal life.

Wood Dale was her home for the last seven years of her life. The residents, caregivers and staff cared for and loved her, and she loved them. The family is most grateful to everyone at Wood Dale for the wonderful care and support they provided for her during her life there, and for the family during her last days.

Betty was predeceased by her husband and parents; her brother, Robert O. Barnes, Jr. and his wife, Ann; her sister, Lou Barnes Griffin; her brother-in-law, Robert J. Neal and his wife, Maurine Keith Neal; and her sister-in-law and her husband, Mary Candler Neal Shackleford and Olin Shackleford.

She is survived by her daughters and son and their spouses Ann Neal O’Neal (Giles) of Macon; John P. Neal, III (Terri) of Dalton; and Ellen Neal Pruitt (Ned) of Augusta.

Also grandchildren and spouses Neal Wilder Wheaton (Bobby) of Griffin; Katy Neal Eisert (Keith) of Charleston, SC; Marianne Wilder Zalenski (Erik) of Atlanta; Rob Neal of Tampa, Florida (and special friend Ashley Hall); McCamy Pruitt of Auburn, Alabama; and Ned Pruitt, III and Julia Pruitt of Augusta; and brother-in-law Louie Griffin of Augusta.

Also surviving are five great-granddaughters: Charlotte Zalenski, Kate Wheaton, Anne Wheaton, Frances Zalenski and Caycie Neal; nieces and nephews Mary Shackleford Pollard (Wayne) of Dalton; Cindy Hutchins (Joe) of Winder; Bob Barnes of Cochran; Hank Griffin of Augusta; and Rob Griffin of Atlanta.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 627, Dalton, Georgia 30722-0627 or Friendship House, Inc., P.O. Box 794, Dalton, GA 30722-0794

Funeral services will be in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Dalton on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. Robin Lindsey officiating.
Burial will be in West Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends in the Atrium of the Church on Saturday from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N., Thornton Ave., Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arrangements.