Obituaries

Chirstine Neal, 97, passed away on August 7, 2026. Services will be Saturday, August 15, 2026 beginning with visitation at 11 am and funeral service to follow at 1 pm at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive.

Christine Neal, affectionately known as Bunt or Aunt Bonnie was born July 18, 1929 in her family home on Cemetery Street in Pulaski, Tennessee. She was delivered by the first black doctor in Giles County. She was the baby girl of six children born to James Madison Neal and Delia Mae Holt Neal. Her mother died when she was just 9 years old, leaving her to be solely raised by her father. She was the last surviving sibling. Preceded in death by her siblings: James Jr., Albert (Bo), Frankie D, Mary Frances and Delia Mae (Baby Sister).

She professed her belief in Christ at Old Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Pulaski. She was then a member of Sweet Leaf Primitive Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky for many years. She later attended Chief Shepherd Baptist Church under the leadership of her good friend, Pastor Bill Williams. Over the years she attended services and programs at Lampton Baptist Church and St John Missionary Baptist Church with family.

Christine attended Bridgeforth High School, where she completed the 11th grade. In 1951 she gave birth to her only daughter Vesta. In 1954 she gave birth to her baby boy Gettis. She would always say, “I asked God for two children and that’s just what he gave me.” Years later she would develop an unwavering friendship with Santa Fe Martin and gained her as a daughter as well. She never married. Hence she would always introduce herself as Ms. “M-I-S-S” Christine Neal.

In 1953 she returned to her childhood home to care for her ailing father. He was the first of many family members that she would nurse and care for over the years. She was known for her nurturing spirit. She would go on to take in many children and adults alike in need of somewhere to call home. Always willing to help. In the mid 50’s after her father passed she moved with her children to Louisville, Kentucky. Christine worked for The Board of Education until her retirement in the late 70’s. Grandma was known to keep an immaculate home of her own! She didn’t play about those sparkling windows and crisply ironed curtains. In 1980, she began caring for her only granddaughter Latrese. She was quick to let you know that “she helped raise her and her three crumbs!”

Christine was known for her stern demeanor, no nonsense, and non-filtered attitude. She said what she meant and meant what she said. Boy could she cuss! Her grandson, Antoine, would say, “If Grandma’s not cussing, something must be wrong.” Her days consisted of her laughing and talking on the phone with her good friends Ruby Williams and Helen Boyd (Granny Boyd). If you ever met Grandma, you’d probably leave with a nick name….Smiley, CurlyTop, AddaLudda, Redbird, Motley Face, and Pretty Girl to name a few. She loved her family most. Especially her grandkids and their children. They were always around. Lets not forget her regular phone calls with NeeNee and James. Each one of them has their own special memories to carry them through.

She loved spending time with family and friends. When her health started failing and she was unable to get out, she’d always ask, “Did anybody ask about me?” Believe me when I say she was the first person everyone would always ask about. She had that type of impact on everyone she met. Just a few weeks ago she celebrated her 97th birthday. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Christine lived a wonderful and blessed 97 years. You never heard her complain about anything in life.

Christine was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and God-daughter Santa Fe Martin. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Vesta Rivers (Wilson) and son Gettis Neal. Her grandchildren Antoine, Latrese (Anthony), Lil Gettis, and Brandon. Great grandchildren Antoinette, Quentin, Andreana, Thundasia Christine, Honesty, Justice, JoAunn, AJ, Serena, and Jadiah. Her great-great grandchildren Serenity, King Donya, and Aundres. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends.