Dorothy Neal was born on January 16, 1934, in Belen, MS, to Cleveland and Emma Lee Suggs. She fell asleep in death at Buckingham Pavilion Nursing Center in Chicago, IL, on August 14, 2024. Dorothy was the ninth of twelve children, all of whom preceded her in death. She moved to Chicago in the 1950s, where she raised her family. Dorothy was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in January 1962 and never wavered in her faith. In addition to her children, her worship of Jehovah was the most important part of her life. She was passionate about the ministry and preached to everyone, making the local Dunkin' Donuts her personal territory.

Dorothy loved singing and dancing! She introduced her children to many musicals, which some continue to enjoy to this day. Dorothy was also one of the best Southern cooks there was! When she left Mississippi, she brought her Southern hospitality right along with her. She always had home-cooked meals for her family and shared food with anyone who visited, even if they were unexpected. Many of us were privileged to have Dorothy's desserts after a big home-cooked meal. Her specialties included banana pudding made from scratch, homemade peach cobbler, sweet potato pies, three and four-layer chocolate and caramel cakes, and one of her grandkids' favorites, rice pudding! We cherish that and will miss it.

Dorothy was preceded in death by three of her children: Cremolia, Michael Odell, and Cassandra; and by her great-grandson Curtis Patrick Henry ("CJ"). She leaves behind to cherish her life and memory eight children: Henry Louis, Jackie, Alfred, Patry Ann, Phyllis, Fulton Jr., Pamela (Nate), and Eric (Darcy); ten grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The family of Dorothy Neal would like to thank all of you, dear family and friends, who have continuously shown your love and support to Dorothy throughout her long illness. We are most grateful for the gift of friends like you! We greatly appreciate your phone calls and prayers, as well as the personal and private assistance to our mom, Dorothy, during difficult times.

We want to give special thanks to all those who were a part of Dorothy's healthcare team: JourneyCare Hospice, Buckingham Pavilion Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Amenity Hospice. Your care and attention toward our mom brought her and us much comfort and were greatly appreciated.

All these things will never be forgotten by our family nor by our loving God, Jehovah. Thank you all again.

The Neal Family