Suzanne (Susie) Kathern Neal, 79, of Columbus, a former Minford area resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, April 11, 2026 at OSU Medical Center Hospice in Columbus. She was born March 28, 1947 in Portsmouth, daughter of the late Harry and Wilma Brown of Stockdale and graduated from Eastern High School in the Class of 1965. Susie attended Fairview Missionary Baptist Church before moving to Columbus where she would later attend Linworth Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her baby brother, John Brown.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Brian Neal; two sons, Chad (Krista) Neal of Johnstown and Casey (Jessica) Neal of Minford; five grandchildren, Charlie Neal, Avery Neal, Joey Neal, Hudson Neal, and Greta Neal; four sisters, Pat (Tom) Miller of West Jefferson, Carolyn Leist of Beaver, Rosemary Cox of Minford, Angie (Alan) Roberts of Stockdale, and many nieces and nephews.
After graduating high school, Susie worked at Distel Furniture before marrying Brian on February 27, 1966 at her family farm in Stockdale, just before he left for Vietnam. Susie worked as the payroll clerk at Mercy Hospital before becoming a stay-at-home mom, where she mastered the art of laundry, running her Kirby vacuum, ironing (even underwear, handkerchiefs, and bed sheets/pillow cases), cleaning, getting stains out of clothing with her Amway detergents, and other household tasks she became a pro at.
Susie was known as the photographer of the family and loved getting everyone’s picture at family gatherings or other events. She could be counted on posting an array of pictures (sometimes old and embarrassing pictures) of family and friends on their birthdays and anniversaries. She loved working with her macrame and other crafts and truly loved her family, especially her grandkids. Susie demonstrated a servant’s heart and cared for so many during her life.
After her passing, she wanted everyone to smile, don’t cry, think of her not having to pull her oxygen hose around everywhere, and especially no more dialysis or doctor’s appointments. Until the very end of her life on this earth, she humorously told her family, “Toodaloo…”
She will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00pm to 6:00pm Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Minford Community Church in Minford. Arrangements are under the direction of Erwin-Dodson-Allen Funeral Home in Minford. Online condolences may be sent to www.edafh.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Central Ohio as a Tribute Gift in memory of Suzanne K. Neal.
