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James Haywood Neal

James Neal Obituary

NEAL, JAMES HAYWOOD

Pastor, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church

On December 2, 2002, REV. JAMES H. NEAL of Fort Washington, MD. Loving husband of Rhonda L. Neal; son of Hattie and Harry Neal. Also survived by four children, Danielle, Kellie, Clemmie and Kacie Neal; three sisters, Gertrude Watkins, Cheryl Duncan and Clemmie Armstrong; four brothers, Harry III, George, Joe and Sheldon Neal; one granddaughter, Bre-Bre, and a host of other relatives and friends. Family will receive friends on Friday, December 6, at Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, 9832 Piscataway Rd., Clinton, MD, from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service, 11 a.m. at Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, 7707 Allentown Rd., Ft. Washington, MD. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, MD. Services by STRICKLAND.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for James Neal

Sponsored by Ron Leggett , member - Mt Ennon Baptist Church .

207 Entries

Minister Dee Bell

November 29, 2023

Remembering the best pastor and friend who impacted my life tremendously. When I think about being humble consistently I think of his example and how he lived for the Lord - how his public and private life matched. He didn´t live one way in front of the people and differently behind closed doors. He didn´t follow trends he was anchored in the Lord, and his reputation was solid. I´m sure he was a man in whom the Lord was well pleased.

It´s been 21 years and sometimes it feels like yesterday. Just thinking about my friend and grateful to have known Pastor Neal!

Sending love to Reverend Rhonda Neal, Kellie, Clemmie, and Kacie. No amount of time will change what you mean to me. You sacrificed much for others to be blessed, thank you!

Love you,
Dee-Dee

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2021

It has been 19 years and my heat is still broken. I am thankful to God that he chose you to be my father. I pray that one day, I will be able to save as many souls as you have. I love you! Ohh, Karter James is just like you!!!!

Dee Bell

October 17, 2020

Sitting here in my study making final preparations for preaching tomorrow and I just started to reflect on my journey and how incredibly impactful you were. Reminded me of how much I miss you Pastor Neal.

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2019

Seventeen years and it still feels like yesterday. I will ALWAYS love you.

Kellie Neal

June 3, 2019

I am missing more today than ever. Thank you for saving souls and being a GODLY man. You have touched so many lives. I love you!

Kellie Neal

April 26, 2018

I miss and love you with ALL of my heart. I wish you were here with us in the flesh because I need your words of wisdom, prayer and guidance.

Kellie Neal

December 21, 2016

Happy Birthday Dad, as always we are missing you. Kellie

Kellie Neal

February 3, 2016

I miss you more than words can express. I would give ANYTHING to have you back in the flesh. Daddy, I love you!!!!

Nicola Warmsley

December 7, 2014

Oh how I miss my Pastor! We loved you so much. You were on fire for the Lord and he needed you more than we did.

Minister Deirdre Bell

December 2, 2013

Missing you still... wish you were here so I could share with you how much my ministry is a reflection of all I learned from you.

Love, Dee Dee

August 23, 2013

C J

August 22, 2013

Love you dad, forever missing you! Bre is all old now you would Love the lil lady she has become! Mom is Awesome, she still misses you like crazy, but what can you expect you were So good to us! if anything I am just Blessed to have had you for the time I did. I know that I will see you again! Loving and Trusting God and his word! Missing you forever!

Deirdre Bell

December 2, 2012

Love and miss you!

Kacie Neal

August 20, 2012

I never did write to tell you how much I appreciate everything that you did for me Dad. I miss you and I love you with all of my heart. You are still my best friend and I know that I will see you again. You were the best human being that I have ever known and seeing such a good example of what a person should be was the best education in the world. I love you.

Kellie Neal

February 15, 2012

Missing you!

Kellie Neal

December 21, 2011

Happy 63rd Birthday! I miss hearing the word of God delivered through you & thank you for everything. I love you Dad.

Betty Mackall

December 5, 2011

Gone but never forgotten!! It is because of you that I am able to continue my walk. Thanks so much to the Neal family for sharing. May God continue to bless and keep you.

Dee-Dee

December 2, 2011

Still missing you...

Me & Mom

Kellie Neal

April 8, 2011

I can't believe it has been 8 long years since you were called home. To me it fells like it was just yesterday. Dad I pray that your legacy lives on & I am thankful to have been raised by a true man of GOD. Thank you and I love you more than words can ever say.

Carole Owens

January 17, 2011

Miss you!

Minister Dee Bell

December 2, 2010

Thinking of you today...

Minister Deirdre White Bell

January 7, 2010

I was telling Reverend Rhonda just last night how much your legacy lives on in me and my life. Your silent witness, sermons and talks showed me a better way to live for Christ and I'm forever grateful that God allowed our paths to cross. I still miss you and no matter how much time passes I always think about how many lives would have been impacted by your ministry if you were still here. I know that it's up to those of us who are still here to take what we've learned and do the work of Lord as we were taught -- with honesty and humilty. All of my love to Reverend Rhonda Neal and family.

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2009

I miss you so much. I can't believe it has been 7 years. I dream about you often and I think of you daily. I can't wait to see you again.

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2008

It has been 6 long years today. I am doing my best to keep holding on to GOD's words and promises. We miss you so much.

Kellie Neal

September 16, 2008

Missing you even more as the days go on!

Dee Bell

December 3, 2007

I can't believe you've been gone this long. Still feels like I had to ssy good-bye just yesterday. Our lives continue to move forward and the ministry that you lived and taught still remains revelant to my everyday life. I miss you so much!

Carole Owens

July 25, 2007

Missing you still.... You would be proud of "Cisco" and the girls. You 'done' good.. real good!

Dee Bell

June 1, 2007

I'm cherishing the wonderful memories of you! I miss you Pastor Neal and you will remain in my heart. All my love to Rev. Rhonda Neal and family!

April 16, 2007

With each day that passes your presence, your caring, your understanding, your humility and the love you had for your sheep is missed. While we move forward, healing is still occurring. You will never be forgotten.

Damoria Owens Walker

March 26, 2007

May God continue to bless the Neal family in your loving memory.

KQS Neal

December 10, 2006

We are missing you Pastor Neal & I continue to pray for the strength of the Neal family and the Mt. Ennon family.

December 4, 2006

Thanks for caring about so many people.

Mike & Dee Bell

October 31, 2006

Reverend Rhonda Neal,

We were so honored to be able to witness your blessed Ordination a few weeks ago. Pastor Neal would have been so proud -- it's what he was preparing you for. It's truly amazing how the Lord is moving -- you are indeed a mighty woman of God! Can't wait to see what the Lord's going to do next! Keep pressing on... We love you!

Kellie Neal

July 10, 2006

Dad, my heart still hurts. I am trying my best & praying daily that GOD orders my steps. Gosh I miss you!!!

Deirdre (Dee-Dee) Bell

June 9, 2006

Pastor, I'm thinking of you and missing you too! Much much love to my Neal family.

Kellie Neal

June 5, 2006

Father's Day is coming up & I wish you were here so we could celebrate you. My heart still hurts.

Kellie

Marlene Brooks

May 16, 2006

Miss you more and more all the time. Realizing how we must go on but your memory will never be erased

Kellie Neal

March 12, 2006

I love you & I am missing you always.

Kellie Neal

December 7, 2005

Well today is your day here in PG County & I just wish you were here with us to celebrate. We miss you dad.

Michael & Deirdre Bell

December 2, 2005

Thank you Lord for the life and memories of our beloved Pastor, we are forever grateful to you for the opportunity to have our lives touched by such a great man of God. Yes, we still ask "why" sometimes but we know that you have a purpose for every thing you do. So, we thank you for lending us Pastor Neal for the time that you did -- we pray that we used that time wisely and that we learned all that you would have had us to learn through your servant. We believe we are better people because our paths crossed with Pastor.

Father, give us all that we need that we would continue to be as kind and loving to Rhonda and the girls as Pastor was to us and even family members he did not know.

May you be glorified and your people edified by our showing of that Godly love you instructed your servant to preach to us about so often.

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Minister Rhonda Neal & Family:

We promise to be here for you whenever you need us. Thank you for sacrificing your time with Pastor so that he could minister to us.

We love you!

Mike and Dee

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2005

I can't believe it has been 3 years b/c it still feels like yesterday. My heart is broken into a zillion pieces & I can’t stop crying. We love & miss you so much until I have no words to even describe our feelings. Not a second passes that I don't think about you & wish you were here with us. I am doing my best to hold it together, trust & believe in God's word but I am missing my Shepard. I will however continue to live they way you taught me too & I will continue to do my best & take care of the family. I Love You FOREVER!!!!

Bond Family

November 17, 2005

Thinking of you, we will love you for always! The Neal family will remain in our hearts and our prayers.

Carole Owens

November 15, 2005

Missing you still..

Betty Mackall

November 14, 2005

It's has been almost three years now and I still miss Pastor Neal so very much. Pastor Neal played a very important part in him being used by the Lord to bring me into the fold. He will always be my Pastor. Miss you much.

Kellie Neal

October 25, 2005

Dad, my heart will not stop hurting & I miss you so much until I can't even use words to explain how I feel. I am trying to stay rooted, trust & believe in HIS word but I am struggling. I know I will see you again but I feel I can wait no longer. I Love you & I need you to tell me just one more time to be patient & wait upon the Lord. I can’t stop crying & my heart hurts. Forever I will always miss & love you.

Mike & Dee Bell

September 7, 2005

There is always something that takes us back to a fond memory of you. We miss you so much and think of you every day.

Denise

August 6, 2005

Thinking of you.

Kellie Neal

August 5, 2005

Dad,

I miss my hero more than words can ever say & I will carry you in my heart forever & ever & ever until we meet again. I love you!!!

Kellie Neal

June 17, 2005

Dad,

I wish you were here so that we could celebrate you. I miss my hero & will carry you in my heart forever. I love you!!!

Carole Owens

May 25, 2005

Missing Rev. Neal (Uncle Jimmy) today and always....

Dee Bell

May 11, 2005

Thinking of you!

Dee Bell

February 21, 2005

Missing you!

Phyllis and Khamani Moore

February 19, 2005

We both miss you so much!No other pastor could fill our hearts the way you did!WE LOVE YOU,WE MISS YOU,WE LOVE YOU!!!

Tara

December 10, 2004

I miss you alot Pastor Neal

Kellie

December 7, 2004

I love you man.

Michael & Deirdre Bell

December 2, 2004

We think of Pastor every day and we miss him so very much. Our hearts and our lives continue to feel a deep loss. We sit and talk about him often and remember how his humbleness impacted our lives in so many ways. We will always honor his memory -- Pastor was one-of-a-kind!

Melvin & Irene Smith

December 2, 2004

This is a day we will always remember for it is the day that God called our dearly beloved Pastor home. We learned many lessons from Pastor Neal's preaching, his sense of humor, the generosity of his giving, and his knack of mending relationships. Pastor Neal we celebrate your life today.

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2004

Daddy, I miss & love you so much.

November 26, 2004

I miss you Pastor Neal, I miss you Pastor Neal, I miss you Pastor Neal, I MISS YOU!

Deirdre Bell

November 23, 2004

I think of Pastor Neal every day. I'm remembering how much he had a heart for the people and how no task was beneath or above him. I've never met anyone so humble and so kind. I miss you Pastor!

Rhonda and Family,

Keep holding on to God's unchanging hand. I know it's still hard for you and I'm praying for your strength. I'll never forget the sacrifices you made letting Mt. Ennon have your husband, father and grandfather as our Pastor. I'm forever grateful and no matter how much things change I won't allow change to make me forget!

I love you all very much!

Dee-Dee

Tiffany Green

May 5, 2004

Dear Pastor Neal,

Mt.Ennon is missing you......... alot.I know you are in a better place now but it hurts

Kellie Neal

May 3, 2004

Missing you too much!!!!

Angela Blackmon

January 9, 2004

My condolences to the entire Neal famiy.I became a member of Mt Ennon as a child,I was rasied in MT.Ennon and it will forever be my home. Pastor Neal laid down a foundation for the youth of Mt.Ennon and I am forever gratfully. THANK YOU for helping me find my way. May

god bless and keep you first lady Neal and family.

Minister Deirdre Bell

December 5, 2003

Missing you...

Kellie Neal

December 2, 2003

It is still so hard to believe that it has been a year since you were called home. I did not know if I was going to make it & I am still unsure. People say that the pain gets better with time, but I don't know how. I do know that I am selfish for wanting you to be here with us, b/c I miss you something terrible. I am a little jealous & also happy that you are in heaven. I can’t wait for us to all be together as a family again. I love you. Mom, please stay encouraged & I am praying for the family & Mt. Ennon always.

Robin Griffin

November 13, 2003

Minister Neal,

I just happened to be browsing the MEBC website today and wanted to send some words of encouragement to you. Rev. Neal was a wonderful Pastor and a great man of God. It has been almost a year since he went on to his eternal home in heaven. As the years go by, Rev. Neal will continue to live on in your heart and mind. Know that the time you had together was truly a gift from God. But, God also left you behind to carry on the legacy that Rev. Neal started. You are a vituous woman and one of the most humble people that I know. MEBC has a real emerald in you and I want you to know that. Continue to smile, preach, teach, and lead by example. God Bless You and I love you.

Jeanette Smith

October 23, 2003

Thoughts and memories of you will forever remain in our hearts.

God Bless

John S. and Jeanette Smith

Gail Flowers

September 25, 2003

Forever in my heart.

Bagdad, Iraq 2003

Minister Deirdre Bell

July 28, 2003

Dear Rhonda,

I offer to you all of my love and friendship and yet I know that it will never fill the void in your life and in your heart. I know that as time goes by your heart will become stronger and your grief less painful. I believe that joy comes in the morning and that your morning is coming soon. Take your time to grieve because truly no one will ever understand your loss. I pray for you every day because in the midst of everything I continue to watch God work through you so that He receives the Glory even in times like these.

Pastor meant so much to me and did so much for so many. I will never forget to honor him and Praise God for sending the entire Neal family into my life.

I pray that God will dry your eyes and give you peaceful sleep at night. I pray that anyone who would speak to you that they think about what they are going to say before they say anything. I pray that God blocks every hurtful word, act and deed. I pray that Mt. Ennon embrace you with the love of God -- that unified spirit Pastor always preached about. I pray for those who have sought and still seek to do you harm that God deal with then justly. I pray that we as Christians would embrace everyone with the love of Christ. I pray all these things in Jesus Name!

Rhonda, Kellie, Clemmie, Kacie, Bre-Bre, and the entire Neal family, I love you!

Love, Dee

In the midst of it all still praise His name!

Rev. Charles Booker Slay, Sr

July 26, 2003

To your beloved Pastor's family and to the church which he served, I express my most sincere condolences.

Your pastor and I hold much in common and I know that something good can come out of W. Va. because I, too, came not too far from the place of your Pastor.May God's love, peace and joy continue to reside in your midst during this time.

In Christian Love,

Rev. Dr. Charles B. Slay, Sr.

JACQUELINE LINDSAY

July 24, 2003

I WAS VERY SAD ABOUT THE PASSING OF

PASTOR NEAL.I WAS VISITING THE CHURCH WHEN HE WAS CALLED TO PASTOR.BUT I SAW HIM GROW IN HIS MINISTRY.HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN YOU.

Cora Goodnight

April 6, 2003

Pastor Neal was truly God's gift to Mt. Ennon Baptist Church. I will always treasure his devotion to the members of the church.

Garry Dupree

March 6, 2003

Pastor Neal YOU WAS like a uncle to when i grow up i want to be a pastor when granda me and you went to go pick up Kascie we was hear the raido and you said man i thougth going to be a pastor and your prayer might come true and if god hear my prayer to be come a pastor i think about you every day and think about the good not the bad i have to now finish my homework i love you and soon i will see you again love

Elder Frank McNeill

March 5, 2003

Truly it is a sad occasion when a Shepherd is removed from the fold. My prayers go out to the entire Neal family. I would like to comfort you all with these words, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." [Psalm 116:15]Therefore we glory and thank God for the time that Pastor Neal was lent to us to make a difference for the glory of God!

corliss green

February 14, 2003

I still feel lost for we all loved our Pastor Rev.James H. Neal. God bless you and your family. I love you all

Alexandra Magenheim

January 18, 2003

I was sorry to hear of your loss and you have my deepest sympathy.

When I went to Mt. Ennon during my exchange year I felt welcome and through Rev. Neal's preaching I got closer to the Lord.

You'll all be in my prayers especially Minister Neal and family.

Ernest D. Lee, Jr.

January 1, 2003

Pastor James H. Neal

A true man of GOD

My Entire Family ( The Lee Family ) has been touchd by this remarkable saint. We shall continue to aggressivley looked to his wisdom, kindness and geniue sprirt. May The Lord continue to allow the Pastor Neal's Light to shine on Mt. Ennon Baptist Church.

My family is sadden, however our spirits are lifted as we remember that Pastor James H. Neal would often reflect that to be absence from the body is to be present with the Lord. The Lee Family shall forever remember this Great Man sent by GOD.

May Peace and comfort be with the family as they reflect that Pastor Neal is with the Lord !

Deirdre White

December 31, 2002

Pastor,

I will always honor your legacy and remember the contributions you made to my life. When the Lord sent you to Mt. Ennon I was 19 years old, confused and in need of focus and direction. Your wise and Godly counsel changed my life.

You kept it real and because of that you left an imprint on my heart and your words will forever ring in my ears. You taught me the true meaning of being humble because your walk matched your talk -- that's an imprint that will last forever.

I miss your presence, and sometimes I just wait for you to enter a room, but I know you are in the best place.

You were truly one-of-a-kind! To God Be All The Glory and Praise!

I love you, Dee-Dee

Carole & Joseph Owens

December 31, 2002

Joseph and I love you all very much. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Harl Page

December 30, 2002

My heart cries continually for the loss of this angelic spirit. My spirit searches for answers and reasons. But as one leaves, another must step in. Giving me the strength to find where GOD wants me to be and strive for that. I am thoroughly blessed to have had Pastor Neal as an example of a GODLY man.

DeLores Randall

December 27, 2002

Pastor Neal was the most humble preacher I knew. He was always so giving and wise beyond his years. My first visit to Mt. Ennon was to attend his third or fourth anniversary. My mother, Cumy Lawrence, came up from Elbert, WV to attend. I had to contact friends to get the name and address of the church. I was so suprised to learn that I lived so close to where she wanted to go. And what's more amazing is when I first saw the church in 1976, sitting on the side of the road, I was drawn to it, thinking that I should visit because the outside appearnace reminded me so much of my home church in WV. After my mother and I attended the anniversary, I knew I had to join Mt. Ennon. Pastor Neal and the members made my mother and I feel so welcome. Pastor Neal's messages were always so inspiring. I will always remember his emphasis on family and for husbands and wives to do things together. I always enjoyed hearing him talk about his wife and family experiences and that if we wanted to keep him happy, make his wife happy.

Kellie Neal

December 26, 2002

Dad, I miss you so much that it hurts, but my tears are of joy & not saddness. You are where I am striving to be & I can't wait to see you again. I love you with all of my heart. Kellie

James, Amy and Aracha Boles

December 17, 2002

To Minister Neal and Family,

We were sadden to hear of the passing of Pastor Neal. We are not members of Mt Ennon, but attended many times. With each visit, we always felt welcomed and as though we were amongst family. He was truly a great inspiration in our lives. We will miss him and will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Gloria Jones

December 16, 2002

The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.(Psalm 24:1)

To the Neal family and the body of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church. Truly God is good at all times, continue to believe, trust and have faith in Jesus Christ and be blessed. With deepest sympathy in the loss of your hushand, father and Pastor. May God continue to bless and strengthen all.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Gloria Jones

Emma Mosby

December 13, 2002

Minister Neal, and family, you have my deepest sympathy. I was so sorry to hear of you loss. You are in my prayers.

Robert & Mary Waters

December 13, 2002

Dear Minister Rhonda Neal and Family,

Our beloved Pastor was truly a man that was lead by the Spirit of the Lord. He was a rare gem and "The Ideal Man," in that: He put God's business above any of his own affairs (Romans 14:8); He measured his giving by what he had left rather than by what he gave (2 Corinthians 9:6); He lived a life of service to others rather than to serve himself (Philippians 2:3,4); He lived for treasures in heaven rather than the pleasures on earth (Matthew 6:20,21); and He recognized that all of life should be lived to the glory of God and he did just that -- lived and served to the Glory of God! (1 Corinthians 10:31).

We love you all and are on standby prepared to help in anyway needed. Thank you for being that "Strong Woman" in the midst of the storm. We'll continue to live a life that will be pleasing to God and to Pastor Neal as well as he continues to watch over us from Heaven.

Love, Sympathy and Gratitude,

Robert and Mary Waters

Katina & Tiara Jones

December 13, 2002

We love and miss you. Your family will remain in our prayers. Hope your legacy will live on.

Vickie Z. Whetstone

December 13, 2002

To the Neal Family,

(I'm a close friend of Cheryl Watkins)

A million times you've needed him,

A million times you've cried.

If love alone could have saved him,

He never would have died.

It broke your hearts to lose him,

But he did not go alone.

A part of you went with him,

The day God called him home.

Keep your hands in God's hand!

He will never leave or forsake you.

"May His Peace Be With You",

"Till You Meet Again".

Margo R. Lee

December 12, 2002

To my beloved sister, Minister Rhonda Neal, I sincerely offer my condolences to you and the rest of my family. I'm sorry that I couldn't be with you at this time, but I'm always with you through love and Jesus Christ. You and Brother-in-law (you know that what I called Jimmie) had a wonderful life with each other, and all the beautiful memories that you hold so dear in your heart of you and Jimmie will last you until you meet him in Glory Land. I pray to the Lord that when he sends me a husband, I want our marriage to be a marriage in Heaven like yours and Jimmie's. "He promise never to leave us alone, and he has always been true to His word". I will constantly keep you and the family in my prayer, and pray for your sister also. I love you always and forever. God Bless!

Kaaryn Thomas

December 11, 2002

We offer our sincere condolences, and will keep you in our prayers. Pastor Neal will be dearly missed.

Ann, Kaaryn, and Kandace Thomas

Paula Plummer

December 11, 2002

Words cannot express how much we will miss you. We shall live our lives as an example of Christ, just as you taught us, until we meet again.

Love, Paula

Lucille Canty

December 11, 2002

Jesus has promised a welcome above. With shouts of rejoicing for those that we love--And though we feel sad now, in time we'll all be together with Jesus in Eternity. In the midst of sorrow, may you find comfort in God's promise of life everlasting.

Joyce Walker

December 11, 2002

In the loss of the one who shared your life, may there be moments of peace in your sadness when you will wrap yourself in memories and rest in the comfort of the love you shared together. You and the family are indeed in my prayer each day.

Pastor Russell S. Wilkins

December 10, 2002

First Lady Neal:

Please accept our deepest condolences in the death of your husband.

Our prayers are with you and the church family.

Pastor & Mrs. Russell S. Wilkins

St. John Church of Christ

2283 St. John Church Road

Washington, NC 27889

Sylvia Pearson

December 10, 2002

I was truly sadden to hear the loss of Rev. Neal. I was a member at Mt. Ennon until May 1997. Rev. Neal was a great inspiration to me. To First Lady, Minister Rhonda and family, my prayers are with you all. I pray that GOD BLESS and COMFORT you and your family during this difficult time. Mt. Ennon always made me feel at home and I continue to search for the same in Hampton. I am not sure that you remember me, but I used to be with either Gail or Collette. Rev. James Neal will be missed.

Rachel Battle-Lindsey

December 10, 2002

Dear First Lady Rhonda Neal & Family:

Our prayers and concerns are with you and your family (especially your daughters)during this time of sorrow. We pray that God will give you strength, faith and continue to Bless you and your family.

Yours in Christ,

Members of Mt.Ennon, Mr.Gerald Lindsey & Rachel Battle-Lindsey

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