Laura Garnett Taylor Neale

Laura Garnett Taylor Neale

Laura Garnett Taylor Neale, 106, of Richmond, Va., passed away on May 17, 2025. She was born on April 1, 1919, in Owenton, Va., in King and Queen County at "Peach Grove," her childhood home. She was the daughter of Laura Levering Garnett Taylor and John William Taylor.

Laura attended Mary Washington College and was employed at King William County Court House before making her home in West Point for many years. Her home was a special gathering place for birthdays and bridge games, and especially for her family who came together at 711 Lee Street for holidays and family gatherings. She was active in her community, including the West Point Christian Church where she was a member of the Christian Women's Fellowship, an Elder in the church, and a Sunday School teacher. In addition to her community activities, she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Jamestown Society, and a member of the Magna Carter Dames.

Laura Neale was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Mark Milton Neale of West Point, their home for over 60 years. She moved to Richmond in 2005.

She is survived by her children, Laura Neale Vranian (Dr. Henry Vranian, deceased), Shirley Elizabeth Neale, Dr. Mark Milton Neale, Jr. (Elizabeth (Bet) Neale), and Eleanor Neale Robertson; and ten grandchildren, Laura Vranian Hopper, Garnett Vranian Woodley, John M. Wiatt, Jennifer Wiatt Sancilio, Nancy Neale Jared, Dr. Cheryl Neale McFall, Mark Smith Neale, II (deceased), Eleanor Robertson Hertzler, B. Taylor Robertson, and Kathryn Robertson. Affectionately known as Lala, she is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to countless members of the medical community who saw to our mother's needs over her many years. We especially want to acknowledge her long-time caregiver and friend Stella Burris for her steadfast and compassionate care over the past 13 years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mark Smith Neale II "Cross of Life" Memorial Fund (Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond, P.O. Box 49044, Baltimore, M.D. 21297-9044).

The family will be receiving friends from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Bliley's Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Ave, Richmond, Va. Funeral services will be held at Bliley's at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Sunny Slope Cemetery in West Point, Va. More information can be found at www.blileys.com.

Bliley's Funeral Home

3801 Augusta Ave.