Betty Jo Morris Neal was born November 12, 1930. Originally from Matthews, North Carolina, Betty married her high school sweetheart, Beverly, and the newlyweds set off on the journey of military life and the many different stations Beverly was assigned during his thirty-two years of service. They were married for seventy-two years before Beverly’s passing in 2021. Betty passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, just three days after celebrating her 94th birthday.

Betty put her heart and soul into all that she did, and no task was too small for her to pay special attention to. Betty loved children and dedicated her life to raising her four children, Kathy, Linda, Donna, and Andy. When her children were grown, she began a career as a preschool teacher at Palma Ceia Day School in Tampa, Florida. Betty continued to work with children throughout her retired life and spent many hours volunteering at Bayshore Christian School with the parent-teacher association and as a homeroom helper for several classes. Due to her frequent presence at Bayshore Christian, Betty was more affectionately known by parents, teachers, and students as “Nana,” which is what her grandchildren called her.

Betty was a talented writer and often wrote poems for her children and her students. She was creative and was always ready to tackle a school project or costume. Betty’s talents knew no limits, and she was an exceptional athlete during her time at Matthews High School. She was the captain of the basketball team and softball team, and she led her basketball team to the state championships in 1948 and 1949. Betty was a skilled baker and cook. She passed down years of her culinary wisdom to her children and grandchildren. She was the most welcoming person anyone could ever hope to meet. Betty’s kind and warm presence and heart for service were evident in all she did.

Nothing was more important to Betty than her family. She loved and celebrated each of her children individually, and she spoiled her eight grandchildren whenever she had the chance. Betty was a loving sister to one older brother, Everette Morris, Jr. and his wife Betty Lou Morris. She was a caring and devoted daughter to Carrie Helton and Everette Morris, Sr. She adored all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her loved ones.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Carrie Helton and Everette Morris, Sr.; her brother, Everette Morris, Jr., and his wife, Betty Lou Morris; her two children, Troy Andrew Neal and Donna Michelle Neal; and her husband, Colonel Beverly L. Neal. She is survived by her two daughters, Kathy Davis and Linda Worley, her son-in-law Ron Worley, daughter-in-law Jennifer Neal, and her grandchildren: Drew Davis, Kelsey Anderson, Whitney Neal, Kylee Neal, Andrew Neal, Hunter Neal, Grace Worley, and Everette Worley. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Kendall, Drew Jr., Oliver, Magnolia, Peyton, Harper, Chloe, and Koa.