Brother Eli Neal. Sr.

Brother Eli Neal was born February 27, 1925 in Caldwell Parish, Columbia, Louisiana, Ward 7, to the late Willie Neal and Rozetta Yearby Neal. He departed this life on February 7, 2023, at his family home.
Eli accepted Christ at an early age at Locust Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Charles C. Davis. His Christian journey continued at St. Peter Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend J.B. Brown, Henry D. Reddix, and Reverend Eddie Ray Jackson, where he served on the deacon board, as a chair member, and as president of the choir. He later united back to his home church in Ward 7, under the leadership of Reverend George Lavender, Jr., and Pastor Troy D. Gains where he served as a deacon until death.
Eli attended Booker T. School in Ward 7 until fourth grade and started working in the field with his father.
Eli was preceded in death by his first wife, Bessie Neal; daughter, Margie Neal; two brothers, Frank Neal and Peter Neal; five sisters, Florida Hicks, Sally Stringfellow, Roselea Neal, Minerva Thomas, and Roberta Tatum; four granddaughters, Yolanda Broadnax, Latasha Wooten, Angela Neal, and Tawanda Latrice Page; and two grandsons, James Hollis, Jr., and Moshaal Griffin.
Eli had nineteen grandkids, forty-two great-grandkids, and thirteen great- great-grandkids.
He is survived by his beautiful children, Carrie Neal, Ruby Hollis, Willie Neal (Jackie), Eli Neal, Jr. (Joyce), and Velma Broadnax (Fred). Later someone special took Eli's eyes with that big smile, Mattie Page Neal. They were married for fifty years until death. In that home was four children, Chucky Lyn Neal (Keisha) and Katherine Wooten, both of Columbia, Louisiana, and Sam Page (Gail) and John Neal, both of Chicago, Illinois, as well as a granddaughter he raised, Leeann McDowell (Decouris) of Columbia, Louisiana. Well, some long years later, Eli was smiling at Mrs. Smoot from Grayson, Louisiana, who he married. Eli enjoyed his stepkids, Mary-Alice, Patty, Mineolia, Michelle, and Kevin. He really enjoyed the trips he took them on. Shortly after, Eli moved back to his downtown home where he passed away.
Eli worked at Cruse Brothers Lumber Company. He cut logs and worked at the alligator farm. Eli liked reading his Bible and Sunday school book, singing, talking, smiling, hunting, fishing, word find puzzles, and sitting under the carport.
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