Jean Neal

ORAN, Mo. -- Jean Neal,67, of Oran died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at home.

She was born July 11, 1935, in Oran, daughter to the late Buford "Windy" Carter and Merl Ponder Carter, who survives, of Oran.

She and Paul E. Neal were married on March 9, 1955, and he survives of the home. She was a retired city collector of Oran.

Jean was a member of the First Baptist Church in Oran, where she was serving as both Sunday school superintendent and secretary. In 1962, she joined the Morley Chapter 342 Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as worthy matron six times. Jean served as deputy grand matron of the 50th District in 1978. In 1982, Jean was Oran's Lady of the Year. She was given honorary membership to Oran Chamber of Commerce in 2000. Neal was a member of Altrusa in Sikeston, Mo., and first Granny of the Year at the Morley Fall Festival in 2002. Jean served Bethel 51, International Order of Job's Daughter as Guardian Secretary 1984-93, Custodian of Paraphernalia 1981-82 and Guardian Treasurer 1982-84. She was a charter member of Jolly 12 Birthday Club.

Neal was a member of the Oran Garden Club and a past president of Oran PTA. She was serving on the Oran City Board as an alderman. She was also a member of SEMO Shrine Club Cook Team.

Survivors include her husband and mother; two daughters and a son-in-law: Paula and John Dohogne and Helen Gifford, all of Oran; brother and sister-in-law, James M. and Sumi Carter of Temecula, Calif.; sister, Carolyn Lyles of North Richland Hills, Texas; sister-in-law, Ann Damron of Kevil, Ky.; four grandchildren, Merandia and Dawlton Gifford and Sam and Kameron Dohogne, all of Oran. Besides her father, she was also preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin Carter and A.E. Damron.

Friends may call at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Oran after 4 p.m. Monday, where Eastern Star Services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Oran, with Rev. Ed Carter and Rev. Johnny Smith officiating. Burial will be at Friend Cemetery in Oran.