Naomi Joy Neal

Naomi J. Neal, age 94, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, at Timber Rock House Assisted Living in Midlothian, Texas—just one day after celebrating her 94th birthday. 

Naomi was born on August 11, 1931, in Emporia, Kansas, to Loyd and Bessie Mae Hawkins. She grew up on a farm near the Santa Fe Railroad in Emporia, where her father worked in the railyard. Her childhood was filled with unique memories, including rides on elephants offered by their circus-owning neighbors and playing on the boys’ basketball team because there weren’t enough boys—an early glimpse into the adventurous spirit that would define her life. 

She attended Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Morris Neal. They married on June 22, 1952. Naomi and Morris shared a deep and enduring bond that spanned 70 years, until his passing in September 2022. Her adventurous spirit truly blossomed as they shared many hobbies, including attending the Indy 500 car races, sailing, water skiing, and traveling the world. One of their greatest joys was traveling with their college friends- these adventures spanned the entire United States, eventually landing them all back together in Bethany, where they gathered weekly to play cards. 

In 1962, they moved from Oklahoma and made their new home in Beavercreek, Ohio, where they lovingly raised their three children: Carla, Michael, and Shelly. Naomi created a home full of warmth, faith, laughter, and adventure. Each year was marked by summer vacations to new places, family gatherings, and countless dinners and outings with friends. After Morris’s retirement in 1995, they returned to their hometown of Bethany, Oklahoma, to be closer to family and lifelong friends. In 2020, they relocated to Texas to be near their children in their later years. A devoted lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene, Naomi’s faith was central to her life. She was committed to loving the Lord and serving Him faithfully. One of her favorite passages was Psalm 23, which she had memorized at an early age. She first became involved in the church in Emporia and continued serving throughout her life—as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, and gracious hostess for countless showers and gatherings. Her door was always open, and her heart was always giving. 

Naomi loved being on the water, which included many water-skiing trips to the lake with family, friends, and youth groups. She was a gifted seamstress, bargain shopper, tireless homemaker, and avid walker who remained active and full of energy well into her later years. Her days began early and were filled with purpose, creativity, and joy. No project was too big, and no detail too small to be done. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Morris Neal; her parents, Loyd and Bessie Hawkins; and her siblings—Darrell Hawkins, Maureen Myler, and Bill Hawkins. 

She is survived by her children, daughter Carla Corry and husband Alan of Franklin, Tennessee, son Michael Neal and wife Becky of Waxahachie, Texas, Shelly Slack and husband Darrell of Waxahachie. She is also survived by her brother Jim Hawkins of Gainesville, Texas, Sister-in-law Melba Lynn Case and husband Charles of Bethany Oklahoma, ten grand-children, and their spouses, seven great grand-children, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved her deeply. 

Naomi’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, deep love for the Lord, compassion for those around her, and selfless devotion to her family and community. She will be remembered with deep affection and missed beyond measure by all who knew and loved her. 

Celebration of Life will be on Friday, August 29th 10 AM at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas officiated by Reverend Alan Corry (Son-in-law). 

There will be a time to visit with the family before the service from 9-10 AM. 

Burial will be at Dallas-Forth Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas at 1:30 PM.