Deacon Connie L. Neal

Neal ~ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway…Psalm 119:105

Before I formed you…I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; Jeremiah 1:5

Peter David and Sallie Ming Dudley were accustomed to the commotion in their home.  But on May 28, 1941, there was a keen awareness that there was something different about their fourth child born into this union.  Connie Leonia had a spirit that instantly captured the attention and love of those living in the small city of Marianna, Florida, where she was born.

All who met her could since a loving and compassionate drive that was evident early in her life.  Connie was privileged to be nurtured in a strong Christian environment where the word of God was a vital part of her families’ everyday life.  It was no surprise that her life presented a greater picture of the word in action.

At the age of six, Connie along with her family relocated to Miami, Florida, where that love for God and His word were nurtured.  Connie along with her family joined the St. John Institutional Missionary Baptist Church of Overtown, where under the leadership first of Reverend Jarius W. Drake and later Reverend Thedford Johnson, Sr., she served diligently.  Connie not only decided to make Jesus her choice, but she committed her life to dedicated Christian service.  As a young Christian, Connie was active in Sunday School, Red Circle, BTU and Junior Choir.  As she grew in the knowledge of God and His word, her commitment to serve also grew.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made

Connie was gifted with special creative talents; at the age of fifteen, she was hired to create exquisite items to be sold in a high-end retail store in Miami Beach, Florida.  Her talents were extensive; you could tell from her productivity that she was special.  Not only was she known for her expert sewing skills, but she was gifted when it came to crocheting.  Her creations included curtains, baby sweaters, booties, blankets, hats, dolls, scarves, dish clothes, dresses, purses, to name a few.  These were creations she made without any formal instructions.  Connie found joy in creating these items which were readily given to those in need or given to those who needed to be encouraged.

Connie was educated through the public school system of Miami Dade and was a proud graduate of the class of 1959.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two people are better than one because they can support each other and build

Upon graduation from high school, Connie enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) where she entered the school of nursing.  During her first year at FAMU while in a tennis class, the hand of God was visibly and strategically ordering her steps, for it was then and there she met the love of her life, her soul mate, Andr’e Neal.  Over the next several years, their relationship grew.  After graduation, they enlisted in the United States Air Force.  Their assignments resulted in them both being stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.  On September 2, 1967, the two became one and for the next fifty-eight years, they supported each other’s dreams as they continued to build their lives with love, patience and determination.

Connie and her husband continued to build a strong family unit and on January 18, 1973, this loving couple was blessed with the arrival of their only offspring, a son, their beloved Andre Javar.

Even though Connie’s active duty ended September 1973, she remained connected by serving in the capacity as a nurse at the Jacksonville Naval Hospital.  On January 29, 1999, Connie retired after thirty-five years of service to her country.

John 9:4 Work while it is day for night cometh when no man can work

Though retired, Connie never stopped working, she just changed her workplace.  For now, she was working in the vineyard where “…the harvest was plentiful, but the laborers were few”.  Connie found joy helping others, sharing what she had with those who had less.  Connie liked being active and could be found in addition to her church affiliations, especially the Deacons Ministry, totally involved with the following organizations: Live Long & Like It, Keen Teenagers (for retirees) and FAMU Alumni Association.

The word of God has always been Connie’s firm foundation.  As her health began to fail, she continued to “Trust in the Lord with all her heart”. As she battled valiantly, she held tight to His promise that He would never leave her nor forsake her.  As a result of her Christian upbringing, she knew death served as the exit from sickness, suffering and pain, but it also served as the entrance into that place where “…the wicked shall cease from troubling and the weary shall be at rest”.  On September 7th, Connie accepted her certificate of occupancy for her place that has been prepared for her eternal in the Heavens.

Left to cherish her life, a devoted and caring husband, Andr’e; son, Andre Javar (Meka Fowler) Neal; sisters, Mary Lamb, Gloria Archer, Evelyn Elps; goddaughter, Sean Tooks; brothers-in-law, Michael Neal, Daniel Neal; nieces, Jettye Oris, Patrice Neal, Tracie Neal, Terry (Wesley) Sams; friends, Charlotte Johnson, Willie Pearl Blackwell; neighbor, Anthony & June Manigault and family; a host of extended family and friends.

Today, our hearts are heavy, and our eyes have been washed with tears.  We solicit your continued prayers for our family during this difficult time.  We are blessed and somewhat comforted that we’ve learned for our Father’s word that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord”!!!!

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY

Celebration of Life service for Deacon Connie Leonia Dudley Neal will be 12:00PM Friday, September 12, 2025 at The Bethel Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street.  Visitation Thursday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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