Aline J. Nealey

Mrs. Aline J. Nealey, 92, of Ellijay, went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 18, 2025.

She was born Nov. 17, 1932, in Cherokee County, to the Rev. Herbert and Pluma Farist Chastain. She graduated from Cass High School in Cartersville and dedicated more than 40 years of faithful service working alongside Dr. Robert Mainor in his medical office in Smyrna.

As the devoted wife of a preacher, she poured her heart into ministry - spending countless days and nights in church, visiting the sick, encouraging others, praying and wholeheartedly supporting husband Milton Nealey's calling. She was the steady backbone of her family, a constant source of strength, compassion and unwavering faith. She was a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by husband, the Rev. Milton Nealey; second husband, Lloyd Baughn; parents; twin sister, Christine Chastain Smith; sister, Carolyn Chastain O'Dell; and brother, the Rev. Clyde Chastain.

She is survived by daughter, Joan Piel, and husband, Donnie, of Douglasville; son, Terry Nealey, and wife, Teri, of Ellijay; sister, Dorothy Cain, and husband, Lloyd, of Ellijay; and brother, Claude Chastain, of Ellijay. Her legacy of love continues through grandchildren, Heather Davis, and husband, Josh, Andrea Carver, and husband, Jonathan, Andy Piel, and wife, Candice, Jessica Nealey, and husband, Angelo, and Nick Nealey, and wife, Jessie; and great-grandchildren, Luke Crump, Kimberly Harper, Tabitha Hunter, Abigail Harper, Amberlynne Davis, Clint Carver, Kadence Piel, Ainslee Nealey, Lily Carver, Raylon Nealey and Bobby Milton Nealey; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was a faithful and humble servant of the Lord, a devoted soldier for Christ whose life was a radiant testimony of his love. She walked with God daily, and her prayers brought hope, healing and encouragement to countless others. If you ever needed a prayer to reach heaven, you called Aline. Her conversations often turned back to the goodness of the Lord, and she was never shy to shout, "Glory! Bless his holy name!"

She led many souls to Christ and was known for singing his praises and encouraging others in their walk with God. She found joy in her family, simple pleasures like walking and traveling, and the peace of "God's Country," as she lovingly called Ellijay.

Always full of fun and laughter, she was ready to hit the road at a moment's notice to go shopping.

Even in her final years as she faced dementia, she never forgot the Lord or the day he saved her soul. In a final gift of grace, just days before she passed, the Lord allowed her to recognize her family - a tender blessing they will never forget.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ellijay with the Rev. Russell Burt, the Rev. Sam Rickett, the Rev. John Reece and Bro. Allan Cain officiating.

Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Josh Davis, Jonathan Carver, Angelo Lovallo, Andy Piel, Luke Crump and Clint Carver.

We were richly blessed to have her for so many years. Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in knowing she is now reunited in heaven with the love of her life, Milton. Truly, "What a day that will be, when my Jesus I shall see."

Condolences can be made at bernhardtfh.com.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.