Ethel Mae (Francis) Neal was born March 22, 1926 to the late John & Betty Francis in Taylor's Fork (Richmond), Kentucky. Her family relocated to Wyoming, Ohio in the 1930's. She graduated from Wyoming High School in 1944.
She attended Poro Beauty College. She worked as a cosmetologist for many years at the prestigious Berni's Beauty Shop in Hyde Park. She was united in marriage to the late William Neal May 5, 1951. They had been married 44 years when he preceded her in death. Although they did not have children of their own, they were cherished by many nieces and nephews. She joined Gaines United Methodist church over 50 years ago and loved working in her church. She served on the Kitchen Committee and United Methodist Women guild. She especially enjoyed her Prime Timers club meetings and luncheons with "the girls". She volunteered at Goodwill Industries gift shop for many years.
Ethel had many hobbies and her needlepoint and knitted items were exquisite. She was contracted by Shillito's for them to use her knitted sweaters to display their scarves in the downtown store front windows. After retiring she loved to travel, taking many trips and cruises. She embarked on a trip around the world visiting numerous countries in Europe. After the death of all six siblings, her nieces and nephews clang to her listening attentively to her stories of the old days explaining our lineage. She made a cranberry mold that was out of sight! She often said she doubted if she'd be allowed in for Thanksgiving dinner if she didn't bring the mold.
She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, godson Maurice Lucas, goddaughter Terrie Lucas and a devoted friend Mrs. Mildred Oglesby-Heath. We all love and will miss Aunt Ethel, until we meet again........