Mrs. Frankie "Fran" Gilchrist Neal

Mrs. Frankie "Fran" Gilchrist Neal was born on May 14, 1936, and transitioned to a wonderful new home on May11, 2023. She was pre-deceased by her husband James Neal, Sr. after a long and loving marriage and most recently her elder son, Jim, Jr. She is survived by her son Ken, Jim’s widow Teresa, and her grandson Colin. Fran was a talented educator at both the middle and secondary school level whereas a highly competent teacher she provided her students with the foundation for later success. She was well known as a respected assistant principal at Millbrook Jr. High. Her husband Jim served in the Air Force at home and overseas. While he was charged with vital tasks involving the Berlin Airlift and the security of Air Force One, she oversaw the home front. As a military wife she moved and made a new home for her family numerous times, entertained superior officers, and supported Jim in his military advancement. In retirement she continued to share her instructional talents and sincere faith by teaching adult ladies in Sunday School until Jim’s health and her own made such service impossible. She was generous with her resources and the first person to provide financial support to those in need. Fran opened her home to the loyal friends she and Jim had made as a couple both in and out of the military and those she had acquired on her own such as her church and school friends and Sunday School classmates. She created beauty in her home and yard and maintained both until her health precluded her from laboring at the tasks she enjoyed. She was immensely proud of her husband Jim, loyal to him, took assiduous and loving care of him during his final illness, and missed him terribly after his passing. Her greatest pride was reserved for her two sons, Ken and Jim, Jr., and the joy of her life, her grandson Colin. When she received the dreadful prognosis of her final illness, she accepted the news with unflinching courage, stoic practicality, and fierce determination. Although she will be missed by those who knew her, it is a great consolation to know that she is reunited with Jim, Sr. and Jim, Jr. and that her staunch religious faith has come to fruition. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. from Coosada Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Naylor officiating. The interment will follow at Brookside Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 15, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church. The family will accept flowers or memorials may be made Coosada Baptist Church Senior Ministry in her memory. Her family would like to acknowledge those who served her tenderly and faithfully the last few years and during her final illness: Debra, Katrina, Meme, Sandy, and Vanessa. Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL directing.

Mrs. Frankie "Fran" Gilchrist Neal

May 11, 2023