Obituary of Agnes H. Neal

Agnes Neal passed away peacefully on the morning of November 17, in the presence of family. She was 93. Agnes Chiapel Neal was born in St. Louis, Missouri on December 23, 1923 to Mary Brundies and James Chiapel, and raised in that city with her brothers, Nick, Sonny, and Ray. She attended the Ursuline Academy in the Ozarks, where she made lifelong friends and fondly remembered playing on the basketball team. After high school Agnes studied and worked in accounting. During the war she met John W. (Bill) Neal of Walnut Cove, and they were married in 1947. After first living in Burlington, Agnes and Bill settled in Winston-Salem, where they lived for almost thirty years. During those years they had four children and formed a strong family. Agnes was an active member of St. Leos parish, and under her firm guidance all her children completed their education in parochial primary and secondary schools. She was a supportive parent in all their school activities. Agnes and Bill were proud that all four children graduated from college. Agnes and Bill found the lakehouse in Kernersville, and, after extensive reconstruction on the property, moved there in 1976. Agnes joined Holy Cross parish and made many new friends in the community. Agnes especially enjoyed the quilting club, which often met at the lakehouse, and remained in touch with her fellow quilters over the years. In 2004 Agnes and Bill retired to Valle Crucis to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They made new friends in the mountains while keeping up with those they knew in Winston-Salem and Kernersville. Agnes is survived by all four children � John Jr. (wife, Arlene) of Pacifica, California, Mary (Tuney) Neal Henson of Valle Crucis, David (wife, Julie) of Valle Crucis, and Robert (wife, Maureen Thora) of Western Australia � and her grandchildren, Baker Henson, Chad Henson, Naomi Neal, Jack Neal, and Lucy Neal, and great-grandchildren Gemma Henson, Casher Henson and Maxwell Henson. Agnes is reunited in the afterlife with husband Bill and grandson Jordan Henson. These paragraphs fail to convey the true spirit of Agnes Chiapel Neal. Agnes was a great human being, a wonderful mother, a loving wife, and a solid friend. She was very intelligent and wise, and a source of good counsel. Her sweetness, generous nature and corny humor will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her. For her family, Agnes is the last of the greatest generation to pass. God bless her soul and comfort those who love her. A funeral mass in memory of Agnes Neal will be held at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, on Friday, December 1st, at 3 PM. Private interment beside Bill will be in Walnut Cove in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Watauga County Hunger & Health Coalition, one of her favorite charities, are suggested. Online condolences may be shared with the Family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes is serving the Neal Family