Sammie L. Neal Obituary (1922 - 2015)

Sammie L. Neal, affectionately know by her family and friends as 'SB' was born on January 8, 1922 in Brenham, Texas to Joe and Willie Green Burrell. She had three siblings: two sisters, Ruby Jean Benson and Betty Jean Charles; and one brother, Joe Willie Burrell. In 1945, Sammie was united in marriage with Will Melvin Neal. They shared 38 years together. To this union was born three children: daughters, Arquilla Jean and and Ruby Jewel; son, Melvin, Jr. Sammie was a ling time resident of Galveston, Texas. She was a graduate of Central High School. She was employed as a Supervisor i n the Sterile Processing area and retired from John Sealy Hospital (UTMB) after 40 years of service. In 1959, Sammie and her family moved to LaMarque, Texas. She was a member of the Abundant Life Christian Center under the leadership of Pastor Walter Hallam. Her home was always warm and welcoming to all of her family and friends. She attended College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas and enrolled in classes for hat design, furniture upholstery, and floral design. In her past time, she enjoyed cooking, clipping coupons, having garage sales, and watching her favorite food shows. Sammie was also a mastermind at dominos and loved to sew. We give her special thanks for being a wonderful mother, a good friend and an example to pattern our lives after. She had a generous heart and will be dearly missed. Sammie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Will Melvin Neal; devoted son, Melvin Neal, Jr.; sister, Ruby Jean Benson; brother, Joe Willie Burrell; sisters-in-law, Arquilla Johnson, Frankie Neal, Allene Burrell; brother-in-law, Johnnie Neal, Andy Johnson; niece, Johnnie Mae (Neal) Trevillion; nephews, Perry Wells and Dennis Benson. Left to cherish loving memories are her daughters, Arquilla J. Garrett of Houston and Ruby J. Neal of LaMarque; sister, Betty J. Charles; daughter-in-law Stella Neal both of Houston. Five grandchildren; Davidra Sajna (Cyrus) of Fort Worth; Melvinette Gipson (Christopher); Leboria York-Pipkins; Brandon Neal (Dawn) all of Houston and Melvin Neal III (San Marcus). Nineteen great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, special cousin, Zerline Maxey and special friend Lucille Whiting. Visitation services will be held at Carnes Funeral Home (Texas City) from 6-8 pm on Friday, April 24, 2015. Funeral services will be held at Rising Star Baptist Church from 10 am - 12 noon Saturday, April 25, 2015. Visitation will be held from 9 - 10 am before service.