Vera Marie Stewart Neal

Vera Marie Stewart Neal, of Buckhannon, answered the call of the Lord and entered His Kingdom on April 29, 2011, following an extended battle with cancer. Vera was born May 20,1936 in Raleigh County, the only daughter of the late Frank Herman and Frankie Marie O’Dell Stewart. On August 7, 1955 she was married to William Mark Neal, Jr., who predeceased her on November 24, 2004. Also preceding her in death were four brothers: Daniel (an infant), Val C., Robert S., and Paul H. Stewart. A graduate of Richwood High School, West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia University, she was a teacher in Upshur County Schools for 21 years. Vera was a member of both the West Virginia and Upshur County Associations of Retired School Employees. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Buckhannon where she served as Financial Secretary for over 30 years. A West Virginia Wesleyan Society member, she belonged to Alpha Omicron Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, serving as the chapter treasurer for many years. She was a Life Member of St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. A source of enjoyment for Vera was her activity in a local Red Hat Society. The pride and joy of Vera’s life were her two children, who survive her: Dr. William Mark, III and wife Lisa Crowder Neal of Buckhannon, and Dr. Jeffrey Stewart Neal and wife Janet Clark Neal of Lexington, KY. Also surviving are her four beloved grandchildren: Natalie Elizabeth Neal of Buckhannon, Matthew Stewart, Alexandra Caitlin, and Jennifer Ashley Neal of Lexington, KY. Other survivors include two brothers: John D. and wife Mary Weese Stewart of Jacksonville, Fl. and Douglas M. and wife Yvonne Rose Stewart of Buckhannon, and sister-in-law Carrie Frey Stewart of Leighton, PA. Surviving also are nephews Robert S. Stewart II, Todd and wife Kelly Stewart, Zachary Stewart, Brian Stewart, Derek and Sean Stewart, and nieces Dr. Michelle Stewart and Dr. Dawn Marie Stewart and husband Dr. Jeff Cole. Visitation will be observed from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6 with celebration of life services to be held on Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. at Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel in Buckhannon with Dr. Daniel Unger in charge. Entombment will follow at Buckhannon Memorial Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Buckhannon First Baptist Church at 42 Hart Avenue Buckhannon, WV 26201, or The Bill and Vera Neal Science or English/Education Scholarship Funds at WV Wesleyan College.

Vera Marie Stewart Neal

May 20, 1936 - April 29, 2011