"I enjoyed working with Debbie for many years. She was always pleasant to be around. Deb arranged our team potlucks, birthday celebrations and ran the lottery club. She enjoyed sport bets, she beat me the 1 year I joined in the basketball brackets. I was doing so good but she pulled ahead, i took 2nd to Deb that year and she let me know :) She also loved my raspberry bars, I will always think of her with a smile when I make them. She was fun and nice and will be missed. RIP Deb. Jessica D."
In loving memory of
Debora Anne Neal
September 12, 1952 - August 26, 2021
We remember with loving care and tenderness, our dear sister and daughter, Debora Anne "Debbie" Neal. She was a too-young 68 years old when she succumbed to effects of recently diagnosed cancer. We're grateful that the end, once known, did come quickly, minimizing her discomfort and pain. Being the oldest of four siblings, Debbie's role in our family was always strong and memorable. She was our youthful leader in many early experiences. A business-like mind, a sarcastic wit, and an assertive personality define her for us. She loved music, travel, reading, sports, and puzzles of all kinds.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee to father, George and mother, LaDelle, she also lived in Fayette, Iowa; Ypsilanti, Michigan; and then Warren, Michigan for many years. She had achieved her Bachelor's degree and her Master's degree through Wayne State University - of these, she was highly proud.
Debbie was fiercely independent and lived life on her own terms. She carved out a meaningful lifestyle and held close connections with several lifelong friends across many years. She had plans to embark on two trips in October of 2021: one and excursion to Las Vegas to see her favorite entertainer, Adam Lambert; the other to Louisville, Kentucky to celebrate her nephew Sean's wedding. Plans sadly cut short.
Debbie is fondly remembered by her younger siblings, Steve, Pat, and Mike, by her nephew, Sean, and by her mother, longtime Grosse Pointe Park resident, Lovett LaDelle Neal.
She remains forever in our hearts.
A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, September 18th from 12pm - 4pm and will be held at Chas. Verheyden, Inc in Grosse Pointe Park. Share a memory at: www.verheyden.org
Tributes
"Today is Debbie?s birthday, thinking of her and wishing she was with us. Pat"
"I'm writing in tribute to my one-and-only sister, Debbie. What to say about how we feel and what it means at this time? Some sisterly memories here: - Us kids acting out 'The Beatles' in our basement - Deb doing the organizing - After church, wearing our Sunday best, doing 'The Twist' in the living room - Wearing identical Easter outfits, complete with hat and muff - Debbie playing 'first chair' in Clarinet at Ypsi High Band concerts, she was so good - Debbie singing 'The Wedding Song' at my wedding, unforgettable up in the church balcony as all walked in - Going to concerts like Alice Cooper, Bob Seger and Barbra Streisand - Cruising to Alaska with Deb, Mom, and my son Sean - Staying at 'The Paris' in Las Vegas, I hung at the pool while smarty Deb went to a 'Mensa' chapter meeting - Her texting me nonstop what Adam Lambert is wearing - Singing 'Amazing Grace' with Debbie at our dad's funeral - NYC visits - Phantom of the Opera, The Cher Show, shopping, drinks in Times Square, SOHO tours, An American in Paris - When Debbie was on a high school date or night out, my job was to listen diligently to the 'Top 40 Countdown' and write it all down for Debbie to review later - Talking about movies ad nauseum, she loved Casablanca and all Hitchcock - She was the first of us to dance, to drive, to play an instrument, to work, have an apartment, go to college. Our icon. Love, Pat "
"I had the great pleasure to work with Debbie the past several years. She was a great person and would never miss out on some sports betting or friendly wager. ?Condolences to the family and may Debbie RIP. God bless. Ron "
"Such sad news. I worked with Debbie years ago. such a good soul. Condolences to her family. RIH Debbie "
"I too knew Deb "virtually", She was such a shining light on our Adam Lambert fan site, always being so upbeat and positive, even in spite of her health challenges in recent months. Being a native of the Detroit area, but no longer living in Michigan, I was so looking forward to meeting her in Vegas in October! And how she was determined to attend to those concerts, even if it meant flying first class with a nurse! So very sad that she won't make that trip, but I'm sure she will be there in spirit in the front row! My sincere condolences to Deb's friends and family, and all who were blessed to know this special lady. Anne M."
"My deepest condolences to the entire Neal family. I had the great pleasure of working with Debbie for several years. When our roles shifted and I was placed at different location we remained close friends. Debbie and I would plan a coffee trip to Tim Hortons at least 4-5 times a year. During our last meeting at ?Timmy?s? she shared with me how she was enjoying her life, was eager for COVID to end and was looking forward to Las Vegas to see Adam. I will forever cherish all of the memories shared with Debbie. "
"My sincere condolences to Deb's family and friends. May you in time remember with a smile in your hearts...her spunky, loving nature, We virtually met on our Adam Lambert fan site. Deb was an avid participant and fan, sharing her positivity and warmth in the conversations. I appreciated our few personal connections/conversations on the thread and in personal messages. She was an open book and thus it was so easy to get to know her and her personality, which added greatly to the life of the fan site. Deb will be missed, and remembered. stampsgal "
"I also only recently got to meet Deb virtually, as an Adam and Queen fan, and truly enjoyed her friendly and upbeat nature. We are so sorry for your loss and will miss her regular comments. I wish we could be meeting at the Venetian in Las Vegas this October. "
"I am so sad that my friend is gone at such a young age. So much more "retirement" to enjoy and I was hoping to join her on some of the quests in the future. I am forever grateful that she did not suffer too long and am so hopeful that she will be at every Queen concert at every venue across the world. She will be sorely missed. ? Candy S"
"My deepest condolences to Deb?s family and friends! Her positivity, energy and enthusiasm were always infectious! Even though I knew Deb only in the?virtual? world, I fell I knew her! She is and will be missed! RIP "
"I will forever miss her enjoyment on the Adam Lambert fan site Adamtopia. She was a lovely person, so upbeat and joyful. We all will miss her. My condolences to the family!!! cheriemelissa"
"An Adam fan friend of Deb's here. We were planning on meeting for the first time in Vegas. Always saying the best about everyone. Always so hopeful. I know she will be with us in Vegas spiritually. My condolences to the family. You lost a bright shining light. PattiH"
"my condolences to Deb's family and friends. She was a enthusiastic member of our Adam Lambert fansite, Adamtopia. Always positive and I know she was so looking forward to Las Vegas. I will raise a glass to her memory there "