Juanita Laura Baker Neal was born in Ludowici, Georgia on October 17, 1937 to the late Rubye Colley Baker and the late Alonzo Baker. Juanita entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2021 in Statesboro, Georgia. "Miss Baker" or "Nita" as she was known to by her close friends and family, was educated in the Long County School System, and attended Walker High School, where she graduated in 1955 as the class Salutatorian. She went on to attend Savannah State College and earned a BS degree in Physical Education, and later completed her certification in Early Childhood Education. She taught school in Washington, Long, Richmond, and Bulloch County school districts. She also coached basketball for many years. She retired in May 2000. Sister Neal accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age, and was a faithful member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Ludowici, where she served as a Deaconess, the Usher board, and in the Kitchen ministry. Sister Neal was always willing to serve the church and others. Juanita was a quiet leader and servant in her community. She was a lifetime member of the Laurel Growth Eastern Star Chapter 118, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Long Co. Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Retired Teachers Association, Georgia Association of Educators, and the Bulloch County Senior Citizens Organization. Juanita was united in Holy Matrimony to Rev. Richard G. Neal of Sulligent, AL on January 19, 1968. They met while she was teaching school in Ludowici and he was stationed at Ft. Stewart. They would be blessed with two children, Reginald Gerard Allen and Regina Gale. Juanita leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband of 53 years, Rev. Richard G. Neal. A son, Maj. Gen. Reginald G. A. Neal (Kim) of Fort Shafter, HI. A daughter, Dr. Regina G. Streetman, Ed.D (William) of Augusta, GA. Her dear brother Herbert C. Colley (Summit, NJ). Four grandchildren, Wesley Brewton (Onja), Chelsey Brewton, Richard Brewton, and Alexandria Neal. She also was blessed with a great-grandson, Khari Brewton. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews and close friends including Mrs. Deeotha Johnson (Ludowici). But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Services 15 Jan
Visitation 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM The Dorchester Funeral Home
7842 East Oglethorpe Hwy
Midway, GA 31320 15 Jan
Funeral Service 03:30 PM Oakridge Cemetery
Baggs Cemetery Road
Ludowici, GA 31316