Tawana Kay McNatt Neal

"If every nightstand had a bible, every front porch had a swing. If every back yard had a garden, every front door had a screen. Yeah, maybe this crazy world would straighten up and slow on down. If every town had a Mamaw's house."
On Thursday May 22, 2025, right in the comfort of her own home, that served as a gathering space for so many others, our beloved Maw Maw to so many, Mrs. Tawana Kay McNatt Neal, age 70, departed this earthly world, as family, and friends stood faithfully by her side, saying their final goodbyes.
Exactly fifty-one years to the day they got married, Mr. Chip, along with rest of family and friends will gather at 3 PM Sunday May 25, 2025, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home, to honor Mrs. Tawana's life. Visitation will begin at 12 Noon, and continue until time of service on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Ripley Funeral Home. Bro. Onnie Ralph will officiate, and burial will follow in Tippah Memorial Gardens, with a graveside service.
Born in Memphis Tennessee on April 23, 1955, Mrs. Tawana was the daughter of the late Elvis E. and Margaret Brown McNatt. She received her education from Potts Camp High School, and it was there, she met her soon to be husband, Mr. Chip Neal, who survives. The two were high school sweethearts for a couple years, before Mr. Chip popped the big question, asking Mrs. Tawana to marry him, on which took place May 25, 1974. They started their family in the Tippah County Community, raising three children, Josh, Todd, and Tonya, instilling good Christian values in each of them, providing them with the best life possible. A woman who wore many different hats, Mrs. Tawana was employed with the Ripley Elementary School Cafeteria, working with a local printing shop, and most proudly being the best wife, mother, and homemaker, she could be.
A saved Christian, Mrs. Tawana's proudest title would have been that of being Maw Maw to everyone that came to know and love her. Her doors where always open, a seat available at her table and her home usually filled with kids from all throughout the community. Being Maw Maw just came natural to Mrs. Tawana. Whether it was the many decorations she loved using for every holiday to cover her home in, or being a victim of one of her pranks that she loved pulling on someone, everyone that ever knew Mrs. Tawana, knew what it felt like to truly be loved. More than anything she had a great love for her many pictures of those who meant the most to her. They were so important to her that after her diagnosis, while going through some of her things, she had left a note that stated, "Tonya, please put: she loved her pictures -love you, mom".
It's been said before, "If you really want to receive joy and happiness, then serve others with all of your heart. Life their burden, and your own burden will be lighter." Mrs. Tawana truly lived those words daily. Perhaps it was putting a smile on a child's face when they came through the lunchroom line, or even assuring no one ever went without, she never made anyone feel unwelcomed, mistreated, or unloved. In fact, she did just the complete opposite. She was a believer in helping others, always bringing light to any situation, and joy to the lives of so many. Although we could never truly know just the number of burdens she may have lifted off of so many, Mrs. Tawana definitely made her mark while she was here on this earth. We know if it wasn't for her big loving heart, caring nature, willingness to serve others, or zest for life, that many of us would not be who we are today. So, it's with the most peacefully feeling, that because of her commitment to loving everyone, just as the Lord intended on it to be, when our precious Maw Maw entered into her Heavenly Home on Thursday, she was welcomed by our Savior Jesus Christ, hearing those sweet words, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". So even though we hurt today, what a blessing it is to have the promise that one day we can join for that great reunion in Heaven, and be welcomed with a great big hug, from our Maw Maw, Tawana.
In addition to her husband of soon to have been fifty-one years, Mr. Chip, memories will continue to be shared by one daughter, Tonya Neal Swinford (Bob Storey), two sons, Todd Neal and Josh Neal, her grandchildren, Laken Neal, Haleigh Neal, Dawson Neal, Tyler Swinford, Hannah Swinford, Savannah Neal, Drayden Neal, and Hudson Neal, one great grandchild, Preslee Swinford, one brother, Tony McNatt, one sister in law, Cindy Bates (Milton), her special cousin, Karen Szudy, and many others, along with a wide circle of friends, family, and the many adopted kids and grandkids they claim throughout north Mississippi.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her in laws, J. R. and Faye Neal, her half-sister, Linda Brucks, and brother-in-law, Chuck Neal.
The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Enhabit Hospice, along with Heather Rutherford, for all their love, and care shown during Mrs. Tawana's sickness.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Don Heavener, Randy Bennett, Roger Cartwright, Cole Rutherford, Wes Bennett, Jerry Cockrell, and Joe Estes, with honorary pallbearers being Bob Storey and Milton Bates.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memoires with Mrs. Tawana's family.
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