Service Announcements

BARBARA NEAL GIVENS, of 2225 Lanecrest Drive, Charlotte North Carolina transitioned peacefully to a better place on June 1, 2020 after a long illness. She entered this world on August 3, 1954, the daughter of the late Carl William Neal, Sr. and Ruby Gaston Neal.

Barbara worked as a welder at Quality Products prior to retirement and had a long career at Fenestra Inc. as a machinist. She was a faithful member of Torrence Grove A.M.E. Zion Church up until her death having served in many capacities,   including President and Secretary of the Torrence Grove Gospel Singers, President of the Stewardess Board, and a member of the kitchen committee.

Barbara was the oldest of six children, and her claim to fame was that she was the oldest grandchild on both her mother’s and father’s side of the family. As the eldest, she wore many hats and played many roles. She was the designated babysitter, hairdresser, cook and tutor for her younger siblings. Though she always played the tough guy role, Barbara was really a soft and affectionate person who was an intellectual in disguise. She was an avid reader, who started a sister’s book club, a crossword puzzle champion, and a huge Jeopardy fan. What we remember best about Barbara was her humor and her sharp tongue. She was extremely quick witted and had comebacks that were so strong, it would leave you speechless.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Carl William Neal, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memories: a daughter Bridget Crawford, of Charlotte, North Carolina, a step-son Willie Givens, Jr. of Shelby, North Carolina; three grand-children, Tamica Neal-Brandon (Willie), Jerome Crawford, Jr., Jermiah Crawford; two great grandchildren Jabryl Crawford, Allayah Crawford all of Charlotte, North Carolina; one brother Robert Neal (Melissa) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; three sisters, Crystal Anthony, Nina Neal, and Sharon Brice (Kent) all of Charlotte, North Carolina; one sister-in-law Angela Neal of Charlotte, North Carolina; one uncle, Wilbert Gaston (Betty), three aunts, Etta Menton of Brooklyn, N.Y., Ada Gaston, and Mary Gaston both of Charlotte, North Carolina; three God- Children, Kevin Respass, Keisha Respass McIllwaine, and Rochelle Respass all of Charlotte, North Carolina; 10 nieces, nephews, and 10 grandnieces, grandnephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held Saturday,June 6,2020 at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel from 12:00 pm – 2:00pm. Graveside service will take place Sunday, June 7,2020 at Torrence Grove AME Zion Church Cemetery 1200 Torrence Grove Church Rd. Charlotte,NC 28213.