Emma R. McNeal

On June 21, 1945 Minnie and Bryant Eaton Sr. Gave birth to a baby girl whom they named EMMA was born and raised in a small town called Louiseburg, North Carolina. There she went to school and did farm work. At the age of 20 she left and moved to Baltimore, MD to be with other family members and soon married Richard McNeal Sr. Shortly after they gave birth to their first child, Richard McNeal Jr. A few years later she became widowed due to a horrific automoble accident, but eventually she was able to find love again which led to the birth of her son Michael E. McNeal. Then at the ripe age of 43 "surprise, surprise" she gave birth to a baby girl, LaShawn Nicole Payton. Emma loved living in Baltimore and held countless jobs to provide for her children. One of which was Vellegia's Restaurant which she worked at for 10 years, in the section of Baltimore famously known as little Italy. After putting in countless applications at John's Hopkins Hospital, she got the call she had been waiting for. She started her first day of work on April 17, 1995. Emma was an excellent worker who never missed a day of work and even walked to work in the blizzard of 1996, tramping through 3 feet of snow, and falling numerous times. Her strong will wouldn't let her give up and eventually after making it all the way to Broadway she was picked up by the Hospital ambulance driver who recognized her. So, as her journey slowly comes to an end, remember "Emma Ree" (as family called her), as a strong woman who never gave up. She started work and never missed a day until she retirement. She joined St. Paul Baptist Church, and never missed a Sunday until she became ill. One thing we can all on is that she knew the Lord, had a contagious laugh, and enjoyed the life she was given. But now it's up to us to live for her. She leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Richard McNeal and Michael McNeal; daughter, LaShawn Payton-Muhammad and son-in-law, Nurideen who are expecting their first child in March 2018; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; five brothers, Bryant Eaton Jr., Herman Eaton, Norman Eaton, Curtis Eaton, and Roy Eaton; sister, Katherine West and Marybelle Thompson (who preceded her in death); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Emma R. McNeal

June 21, 1945 - November 21, 2017