Clara “Joyce” McNeal, dearly loved mother, grandmother and friend to all she met, 86, of North Platte was called to rest in peace to be with her beloved husband and her Lord Savior on April 13, 2020 at Centennial Park Retirement Village after a long life.
Joyce was born in Denver, CO on November 10, 1933 to Clifford and Helen Seaton. She attended school in Wellfleet and North Platte. She married Russell Boyd Wood and to this union four daughters were born, Cathy, Clare, Connie and Carol. Joyce worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as a nurse’s aide, was a hostess at several restaurants and was a caregiver to the Kuroki’s, Mr. & Mrs. Adams, and Mr. Farrell. On December 8, 1990 she married Stanley Bernard McNeal at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte where Joyce was a member for many years.
Joyce was a one of a kind, beautiful soul. She was witty, funny, and kind beyond measure, always putting everyone and everything before herself. She never had it easy raising four daughters on her own, but always kept her “true grit”. Joyce had a special charm about her, and her friends and family would agree. She loved all her girls, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything. She never knew a stranger and was very loving and kind to everyone. She woke up extra early to enjoy her morning coffee, she enjoyed playing cards and the whole family loved the card game, Cad. Joyce was very outspoken and social.
We all loved her and will miss her dearly. A special “thank you” to the staff at Centennial Park as well as all the friends that touched her life over the years.
Survivors include her daughters, Cathy (Gary Twidwell) Wood of North Platte, Clare (Gene Naber) Bachman of Humbolt, NE, Deborah Essex of Cozad, NE and Dennis McNeal of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Toni (Kenny Walker) Bargell, David Bargell, and Mike (Megan) Essex; great-grandchildren, MaKenna Christensen, Ellanor Deckert, and Evelynn Walker; cousins, Caroline Seaton of North Platte, Cressie Marie Peterson of Little River, SC, Jim (Doris) Seaton of Gilbert, AZ; several other great-grand-children, cousins and family members; and many close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stanley McNeal; and daughters, Carol and Connie Wood; and Bill and Wendy White.
Memorials are suggested to Centennial Park Retirement Village or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. April 21, 2020 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Job Vigil officiating. Burial will be April 22, 2020 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Keeping with the State of Nebraska mandates in reference to COVID-19 the service will be live streamed on Adams & Swanson’s Funeral Home Facebook page. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.