Jamal Neely

Jamal David Neely, 52, transitioned from this earth on Sunday, October 19, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, at The OSU James Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. Jamal was born on March 26, 1973 at a U.S. Air Force Base in Bitburg, Germany. Jamal traveled with his three
older siblings and his parents back to the United States where his two younger sisters and two younger brothers were born.
Jamal spent his childhood years as an active member of the Gahanna Freewill Baptist Church youth group. Jamal's knowledge of Bible trivia allowed him to stand out during youth game nights; and continued to stand out as an all-around loveable student throughout his middle and high school years. Jamal's ability to engage faculty in a "peer-like" fashion, while wearing his signature long sleeve button up shirt and tie, afforded him many office privileges not often allotted to other students.
Jamal graduated from Mifflin High School in 1991 as Valedictorian. He went on to receive an Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from Columbus State Community
College and later received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Programming and Coding, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Devry University.
Jamal was most recently employed with The Laurels Healthcare Center as an IT
Specialist/Helpdesk Manager.
Jamal's soft spoken disposition did not hinder his ability to command attention in any room he entered. Jamal took delight in planning memorable family outings.
Jamal is preceded in death by his father, Jerome Dana Neely Sr., mother, Claudelle Neely, grandmother, Maude Lucille "Baba" Neely and sister Zina Boyd. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved daughter, Renee Maria Deane Pitts (Javonte), longtime partner, Tracy L.
Linebarger, brothers, Jerome D. Neely, Jr., Jeffrey D. Neely (Katie), Jeremy D. Neely (Najla), Jarrett D. Neely, sisters, Laura L. Neely, Jocelyn D. Reed (Brian) and Javonne D. Reed.
He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Candice Jones (Edwin), Edward Boyd, Daniel Boyd, Leesa Boyd, Mercedes Victory (Kenneth), Laila Sims, Floy and Reyna Reed. Along with a host of other family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 28th from 11:00 AM – Noon at Evergreen Funeral Home, 1855 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. The Celebration of Life will take place from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Eastlawn Cemetery, 1340 Woodlawn Avenue Columbus, Ohio.