Barbara Ann (Hargett) Neal passed away at her home on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, at the age of 83. Her son, Emmett, was at her side holding her hand as she departed. She had been ill for almost two years and had been cared for by her daughter, Jeanne, and Jeanne’s husband Jay Kent.

Barbara was born and raised on a farm outside Charleston. She was taught by her parents to live a Godly life focused on caring for others, working hard and being honest in all things. She excelled as both a wife and mother by putting her best efforts into caring for her husband and children. When her children were young she would read them a bedtime story and some scripture each night and then say their prayers with them. Because of the love she had for her husband and children they experienced the comfort that comes from knowing you are loved completely and unconditionally. Later, her grandchildren, all of whom referred to her as “Mimi,” also felt the same comfort and love from her.

Barbara, who was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Vicksburg, was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Neal; parents, Condry and Margie Hargett; brother, Billy Hargett; sister, Jeanne Hargett Cole; and niece, Jackie Neal Drew (George).

She is survived by her son, Emmett R. Neal of Nashville, Tenn; her daughter, Jeanne Neal Kent of Albany, La.; grandchildren, Ashley Neal McClemore (Cory) of Norfolk, Va., Wil Harbour of Flowood, McKenzie Neal of Murray, Ky., Chynna Neal of Nashville, Tenn., Emmett H. Neal II of Nashville, Tenn., Margaret Kent of Albany, La. and Ryder Neal of Nashville, Tenn.; in-laws, Allen and Jewell (Bean) Neal of Delhi, La., Jackie Neal of Flowood, G.L. Cole Sr. of Greenville, and Linda (Dare) Hargett of Mountain Home, Ark.; nephews Allen Neal Jr. (Jackie) of West Monroe, La., Billy Hargett Jr. of Conway, Ark., G.L. Cole Jr. (Cindy) of Marks, Chris Cole (Kimberly) of Greenville and Stephen Hargett (Kim) of Mountain Home, Ark.; nieces, Carla Neal Edwards (Andy) of Hattiesburg, Cindy Cole Davis (Lawson) of Greenville, Cindy Neal Crevitt (Marty) of Vicksburg, Allyson Neal Harris (Scott) of Monroe, La. and Susie Neal Fallin (Jesse) of Dunn, La.; many cousins and friends.

Services for Barbara will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home located at 5000 Indiana Ave. in Vicksburg. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon followed by a memorial service in the chapel at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery, located at 191 Hwy. 80, Vicksburg.

Pallbearers will be Barbara’s grandson, Wil Harbour of Flowood; granddaughter, Chynna Neal of Nashville, Tenn.; son-in-law, Cory McClemore of Norfolk, Va.; nephews, G.L. Cole Jr. of Marks, Chris Cole of Greenville and Stephen Hargett of Mountain Home, Ark.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Allen Neal Sr. of Delhi, La., Jackie Neal of Flowood, G.L. Cole of Greenville, Dr. Yoshinobu Namahira, MD of Vicksburg and Richard Moro of Katy, Texas.