Ada Marie Hawkins Neal, 74, of Waco, passed away Thursday evening, January 28, 2021 at Ascension Providence Medical Center in Waco.
Viewing and Visitation: 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 5, at Lake Shore Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 6, Lake Shore Funeral Home with very limited seating available
Burial: Oakwood Cemetery
Ada Marie Neal was born April 26, 1946 in Downsville, Texas to Adeal Dixie Hawkins Sr and Gertrude Simmons Hawkins.
Ada’s love for books and poetry began as a child, wherein she would spend endless hours reading. Ada attended Downsville public schools where she graduated as Class Valedictorian in 1964. She attended Paul Quinn College, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Education, and then matriculated to Prairie View A&M University where she received her Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Secondary Education and Counseling.
The true epitome of a servant, Ada served faithfully as a Deaconess. While she accepted Christ at an early age and received her Christian foundation from Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Downsville, TX, after uniting with her soulmate, Johnny R. Neal Sr on December 24, 1966, Ada joined the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church where she faithfully attended until her death.
Together, Johnny Sr and Ada were blessed with a son, Johnny R. Neal II who was the joy of her life. They have one grandson, Johnny (Tre′) Neal III.
Her caring spirit enabled her to touch the lives of those of whom she encountered. She enjoyed being a part of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where she had the opportunity to work with youth from across the nation. An educator at heart, Ada taught for over 35 years and had a special place in her heart for her students. During her career she taught high school English at University High and later was a counselor at Lake Air Middle School, A J Moore Academy, and Waco High School. After retiring from Waco ISD, she would later teach English for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (formerly TJC). She retired from teaching in 2010 but continued to provide her family and friends with valuable lessons. Ada loved to spend time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Adeal Hawkins Jr, Thomas Hawkins; and a sister, Mattie Hicks.
She leaves to cherish her memory and to continue her legacy her loving husband of fifty-four years, Johnny R. Neal Sr.; son, Johnny and wife, Rochonda Neal II; grandson, Johnny “Tre′” Neal III; her sisters, Ora Smith of Waco and Bertha (Cecil) Gayle of Dallas; a brother, Wilbert Hawkins of Bronx, New York; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Hawkins and Cecilia Hawkins both of Dallas; special friends Joanna McLennan of Waco and Audrey Washington of San Antonio; and a host of extraordinary nieces, nephews, family and friends.
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Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
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Thank you for allowing us to take care of your loved one. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wow this is a shock as a student and relative of Mrs Neal i will miss her so much my prayers are with the Neal family
Mrs Neal was a friend and co-worker at Waco High. Always a smile and kind words. Prayers to her family at this very hard time.
Sincere condolences to your family. Mrs. Neal had a special place in my heart. She was an outstanding teacher who cared for her students. ❤️
We Praise GOD Sis. A. Neal for stewardship,
our prayers to the Bro. J. Neal and family for
sharing sis. Neal with many youth, parent,
community member and a faithful member
of Greater Ebenezer Bapt. Church family.
Condolences to my family. Aunt Ada will be GREATLY missed. She was an encourager to all who she would come in contact with. Aunt Ada lived a very BLESSED life. She knew the Lord Jesus Christ therefore it is well with my soul because it is well with hers. Her legacy will live on in the life of her son and grandson who she LOVED to pieces. Yes she will be missed but she will never be forgotten.
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
Much love
Jacque Burton
The family of Mr. & Mrs. Carl Johnson Sr, would like to send our Condolences towards the entire Neal family and relatives. May god bless all.
Ada Neal was a wonderful colleague and fellow educator. She always had a smile and a kind word. We served as counselors in WISD, she was at Waco High and I was at Waco High 9th grade center. It was always a pleasure to interact with her at our counselor meetings. I also worked with her at Lake Air Middle School where she served as a counselor. I had the great privilege of having her son, Johnny, in my science class. What a great joy it was to watch him as he engaged in the learning process of science. Wonderful memories. May God bless this wonderful family.
Thank you for touching my life while serving as one of my high school counselors at Waco High School.
My condolences to the entire Neal family.
May the God of all comfort bestow His comfort on you during this time of loss. My sincere condolences to the family.
I was a student of Mrs. Neal in the early 80’s at University High School. Mrs. Neal was one of the best teachers that I ever had in any school. She made all of her students feel equally loved and cared for. Mrs. Neal taught me so much about the importance of communication. I remember her quick wit and sense of humor. One morning she was called to the office, and all of the boys in the class turned every desk and chair around and faced the wrong way. She came in and acted as if nothing was wrong and taught the rest of the class backwards. (LOL) My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I truly feel blessed and honored that Mrs. Neal was a part of my life. Vernon Fulbright class of 83
We are offering our condolences to the Neal family. Sis. Ada Neal will truly be missed. Praying for the family.
Mr. Neal (to me) and Johnny (to my Dad). You are in our hearts and prayers during this time in this season. We never forget you were one of the first ones that came to our house after the passing of my mother in 2002. Just remember to keep God first and you will be alright. We are down the street and here for you and your family. Take care and God bless you and your family always.
I love you so much Mrs Neal you were like a grandmother to me. You will truly be missed and I will forever thank you for all the love and compassion you gave to me. It’s hard to say goodbye so I will just say see you later until we meet again.
Mrs Neal was a pillar in the Waco Community. For many young men and women she was a mother, friend, aunt and a counselor. Mrs Neal will truly be missed, but her contributions to society will never be forgotten. Blessings to the family.
You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. Johnie Dollarhide
I am a former student of Mrs Neal, Carol Haliburton, she was my English teacher at University High School. I have to admit I wasn’t the most eager student to learn because I felt I was a misfit But But Mrs Neal made me feel I was special and that I belong in school I will always be forever grateful to her for that. Her meekness could settle my spirit because I was some what loud but respectful she could center me instantly. Thank you to her family and to God for giving me a educator that made a difference in my life to this very day I pray my grandchildren will have a Mrs Neal in their life as I did God Bless and except my condolences.
My deepest prayers and thoughts are with Johnny during this time.
Your mom was one of the kindest and nicest people I had ever met.
Blessings,
Lisa Saxenian
To the Neal Family,
I send my sincere condolences. Mrs. Neal made a huge difference in my life as I’m certain she did for many others. God is able!
Cynthia Kelly Fonteneaux