Brenda Jo Neale

Brenda Jo Neale, age 73, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, after a long battle with liver disease. She was born on July 11, 1952, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Brenda is survived by her devoted husband, Mike Neale; her daughters, Stephanie (Jeff) Boehm and Elizabeth (Trent) Southworth; and her beloved grandchildren, Toby (18), Talia (14), Parker (12), and Reagan (9). She is also survived by her sisters, Judy (Dwayne) Bird and Janice (Frank) Cotham; her brother-in-law, Mike Wilson; and her sister-in-law, Paula Neale Rice. Brenda was preceded in death by her father, Joe Tullos Gore; her mother, Mary Elizabeth Gore; and her sister, Rhonda Susan Wilson.

Throughout her life, Brenda embraced many roles with enthusiasm and excellence. She served as an executive assistant at Sears, Bendix, Harding Hospital, NBC4, and Consulting Psychologists Press. Across these roles she developed many lasting friendships and was recognized as Secretary of the Year during her career. Later in life, she found joy in property management with Towne Properties and in real estate, working alongside her husband, Mike.

Brenda was deeply involved in her church, where she loved working with the young women in the congregation, guiding them in faith while also teaching the values of hospitality and Christian living through her beloved Beauty from the Inside Out class.

She was exceptionally talented with her hands and heart - an extraordinary cook and baker, best known for her unforgettable BBQ, biscuits, and pies. Her sewing skills were remarkable; she crafted graduation dresses for her daughters and their friends, outfits for her grandchildren and nieces and nephews, and beautiful garments for young women in the church.

Brenda was a true Southern belle. She spent a lot of time in Memphis with her family and was a proud Memphis Tigers fan, never missing an opportunity to cheer on her team. She cherished sharing with loved ones the flavors and traditions she carried from her roots. Brenda lived with exuberance, laughter, and grace. She delighted in making others laugh, even at her own expense, and leaves behind countless Nana stories cherished by her family.

Brenda was an excellent host who found joy in hosting events and extending warm hospitality. But above all, she especially loved family gatherings - the joy, celebration, and festivity they brought, and the time spent with her friends, children, and grandchildren. She took great pride in seeing her grandchildren excel at sports, concerts, dance recitals, and other school activities.

Visitation will be held at Spring Road Church of Christ in Westerville, Ohio on Sunday, September 28th, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET. A short visitation will be held at the church on Monday, September 29th, from 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. ET. Close family and friends are invited to a graveside service and reception to follow.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Kobacker House, where Brenda spent her final days with comfort and dignity, as well as to her hepatologist, Dr. Ruchi Bhatia, for her attentive care, and her trusted primary care physician, Dr. Robert Zimmerman, for his compassion and support. Contributions in Brenda's memory may be made to Kobacker House for those who feel so inclined.

Brenda will be remembered for her boundless love of family, her faith, her laughter, and her gift for making every gathering brighter.