c.Paff6earers Lamar Bailey Derrick Heard Delaney Neal Lenorris Neal Dwayne Pierce Tracy Robinson PlOwer (Bearers Nicole Bailey Benita Brallett Johona Robinson .. ,. Barbara Stinson Betty Strong Vanessa Wise . . . }lc~nowCediJement ofAppreciation The family of Alma Jean Pierce-Neal wishes to thank everyone for their calls, visitations, cards, flowers, and condolences during our hour of bereavement. Words alone cannot express our gratitude for your acts of kindness. "Professional Services Entrusted To" 9Jcmatd fi'titnlk ~':Inc. 1876 Second Avenue Decatur, Georgia 30032 (404) 371-0772 crhe Jfomegoing Cefe6ration for jl{maJean c&rce-Nea{ Sunrise December 13, 1960 Sunset October 3, 2013 Friday, October 11, 2013 11:00 a.m. The House of Hope Atlanta The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church 4650 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034 Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr., Pastor/Teacher Pastor Devon Ward, Officiating Minister Randy Davenport, Eulogist 06ituary Alma Jean "A.J." Pierce-Neal was born the first of five children on December 13, 1960, at Hughes Spalding Hospital to the late Jerome and Earlenia Pierce in Atlanta, Ga. She attended Harris County High School in Hamilton, Ga. Upon graduation, she continued her education by attending nursing school in Atlanta, Ga. As a young adult she had a passion for cooking, reading; 'arts and crafts, interior decorating, poetry, gardening, golfing, traveling, and collecting Beanie Babies. Alma loved music, electronics, and photography as well. She had a great sense of humor. She always made jokes and had dreams of being a comedian. In her free time, she often gave of her talents material goods to the women's shelter. Alma met and fell in love with John A. Neal , and joined in holy matrimony with on December 20, 1993. Alma always had a smile and was fun to be around. If she were sick or upset, she didn't let that get her down. She would smile, go to work and play without a frown. She was known and loved by all and will truly be missed. Alma was employed at Berry Plastics Corp, Morrow, Ga., for 10 years. Prior to that, she was employed at Ciba Vision, Duluth, Ga., for 10 years, in addition to the other jobs she has held in the past. Alma J. Pierce-Neal was preceded in death by two brothers: Morris J. Pierce and Milton L. Pierce. Alma leaves to cherish her loving memory, husband: John A. Neal, Jonesboro, Ga.; one stepdaughter and two stepsons; sisters: Bernida D. Pierce, Stone Mountain, Ga. and Bertha D. Pierce, Atlanta, Ga.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends. To Those I Love and Those Who Loved Me When I am gone, release me, Let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy, we had so many years. I gave you my love and you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown But now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a time that we must part, So bless those memories within your heart. I won't be far away for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear All my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home." ~AlmaJ. ~ Orcfer ofWorship The Prelude The Processional The Scripture The Old Testament The New Testament The Prayer "Soon and Very Soon " Minister Pearley Renfroe The House ofHope Atlanta Minister Pamela Hicks The House ofHope Atlanta Minister Bernice Davis The House ofHope Atlanta The Selection The Reflections Zebulon Ellis Mattie DuBose Erica Holland Johnson (Berry Plastics) Johnnie Clarke, (Berry Plastics) The Obituary (Read Silently) The Acknowledgement Raymond Hollis, Jr. The Selection Zebulon Ellis The Eulogy Minister Randy Davenport The House ofHope Atlanta The Recessional "Going Up Yonder " The Interment Washington Memorial Garden 700 Jordan Lane Decatur, Georgia 30033