

Mamie Ruth (Halsell) Neal was born on December 25, 1931 to Percy and Ruby (Hayden) Halsell in their hometown of Halsell, Alabama. When she was 5 years old her family traveled to Chicago, Illinois and in 1939 they took up permanent residency in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mamie entered eternal life on “Mother’s Day” Sunday, May 11, 2014.
Mamie was a product of Cincinnati Public Schools and graduated from Woodward High School in 1950. In pursuing her dreams she was accepted into the school of nursing at Ohio State University. While there she pledged Delta Sigma Theta. In 1954 Mamie received her Bachelor of Science Degree. Her career started at General Hospital but soon after switched to public health, Mamie served in many roles during her career including the position of interim Director of Nursing for the City of Cincinnati Health Department. She retired after devoting 35 years to the nursing profession.
Her college roommate Barbara Stevens introduced Mamie to the love of her life, James Scott Neal. After a brief courtship they were married in August 1956 at Mother of God Catholic Church. This union was blessed with five children.
For many years she was an active member of her church, The Church of the
Resurrection (formally St. Agnes) and longtime board member of the Dominican
Sisters of Hope, which supported many community programs. Other organizations
included the Black Nurses Association of Cincinnati and civic organization Quien
Saba, which helped to fund college scholarships for deserving students.
Her favorite pastime was cruising around the world and spending time with her family and friends.
Mamie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years, James. She leaves to cherish her memories; 3 sons, Rodney Neal; John Neal (Venita); Michael Neal; 2 daughters, Pat Neal-Miller (Chris); Angela Washington; one sister, Sallie Halsell Jones; 16 Grandchildren; 8 Great-Grandchildren with one due in June; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mamie Ruth (Halsell) Neal was born on December 25, 1931 to Percy and Ruby (Hayden) Halsell in their hometown of Halsell, Alabama. When she was 5 years old her family traveled to Chicago, Illinois and in 1939 they took up permanent residency in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mamie entered eternal life on “Mother’s Day” Sunday, May 11,Continue Reading