Viola Neal

On Monday, March 4, 2002, our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister-in-law, niece and friend heard her name and answered the call, leaving many to weep. Viola Neal, affectionately called Spicy, was born on August 27, 1938 in Anderson, South Carolina, to Ellen McGee and the late IN Scott. She had one brother who preceded her in death. Viola received the early portion of her education in South Carolina. Her parents moved to Baltimore City, where she continued her education in the public school system and graduated from Douglass High School. She completed one year at Baltimore City Community College before going to Pennsylvania, where she received her certification as a x-ray technologist. As a young woman, Viola joined Ames United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Clark. She remained a faithful member until she moved to Randallstown, and later became a member of the New Antioch Baptist church of Randallstown, under the pastorship of Reverend Kenneth Barney. Viola worked as a x-ray technologist at several area hospitals, which included St. Agnes, Sinai, and the old Baltimore City Hospital. Later in her career, she was a part of the newly established mobile van x-ray unit, taking her to various surrounding states to provide needed x-ray services. She ended her career managing the CAT-SCAN unit at Howard County General Hospital, from which she retired three years ago after her illness was diagnosed. Melvin, her devoted husband, was the love of Viola’s life for more than 40 years. They grew up in the 1500 block of West Lexington Street, living two doors apart. In July 1959, they began dating and were married on December 3, 1961. God blessed them with one son, Steven. Viola loved to travel and for several years was a travel agent. Over the years, she visited such places as Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. She also loved her home and spent many hours experimenting with interior decorating. Shopping was a pastime she enjoyed. She cherished her lasting friendships borne out of the Pips investment club. Viola leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Ellen McGee Mealtime; her husband, Melvin; one son, Steven; three aunts, Hattie Madison of Chicago, Illinois, Eular Kimp of Brooklyn, New York and Mamie McGee of Baltimore, Maryland; one brother-in-law, Edward Neal; three sisters-in-law, Hazel Allen, Ruth Neal, and Audretta F. Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Viola Neal

August 27, 1938 - March 4, 2002