of Bigelow, AR

July 31, 1937 - January 21, 2025

Bertha L. Neale was born the seventh child of the late James ''Jim'' MacArthur and Elzora Roxie Tillman Neale in Bigelow, Arkansas on July 31, 1937. Tasked by her mother to provide herself with a middle name she later changed her name to Berthal Neale. As a part of the younger Neale siblings and the baby girl, she mostly grew up in Bigelow, spending only a few years of her early life in Roland, AR.

Upon returning to Bigelow, the family reunited with Bethel A. M. E. Church, where Berthal gave her young life to Christ. She loved serving in the Sunday School, which she attended faithfully, eventually becoming Sunday School Superintendent. She was a delegate to the Fort Smith Sunday School Convention for many years and eventually served as the Church's delegate to the Arkansas Annual Conference. Berthal was a faithful member of Bethel-Bigelow Church, serving as both a steward and stewardess until her illness when she moved to Little Rock to live with her nephew before transferring to the Springs at Pinnacle Senior Facility, where she passed on January 21, 2025.

Berthal received her early education at the Rosenwald School in Bigelow before graduating from high school in Morrilton. She always worked. As a teen, she worked in the cotton fields around Bigelow. As a young adult, she moved to Little Rock with her older sisters and worked at the Ottenheimer clothing factory. While in Little Rock, she gave birth to her only child, Cedric, who preceded her in death.

Upon the passing of her father, Berthal returned to Bigelow to assist in the care of her mother. She capitalized on the manufacturing surge in Conway, securing positions with at least three manufacturing firms, including Baldwin Piano and subsequently the AM-Tran Bus Company, from which she eventually retired to provide support for her sister, Ollie.

Berthal was a reserved individual who preferred to remain silent during family gatherings. She often expressed her aversion to cooking, a sentiment that contrasted sharply with her sisters, who vied for the title of the best cook. As her family members departed this life, she unexpectedly assumed the role of matriarch, tasked with organizing the holiday feasts. Following Yvon's passing, the nieces and nephews collaborated in meal preparations, while Aunt Berthal focused on her renowned greens and macaroni and cheese.

Berthal is survived by her beloved nephews and nieces, who carry forward her legacy and cherished memories. In addition to them, she is fondly remembered by a multitude of grandnieces and grandnephews, each of whom holds a special place in their hearts for the warmth and wisdom she shared throughout her life.

A memorial service honoring Berthal will be held on January 30, 2025 at Bethel AME Church Bigelow, AR.

Arrangements were made by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501) 224-8300.

Sign Guestbook

5 Condolence(s)