Cherie Alta McNeal, 88 of Arab went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday, July 3 rd , 2023.
Cherie was born October 23, 1934, in Freehold, New Jersey, the daughter of Ulysses and Idarena S.
Horner. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Roger Horner, her husband Glenn
McNeal Jr. (married 64 years) and first-born son Danny McNeal.
Cherie married Glenn and moved to Huntsville where Glenn served in the Army. After a few short
years in Huntsville, they moved to Arab where Cherie committed to serving by volunteering at Arab
Hospital as a Candy Striper and Arab First United Methodist Church as children’s teacher, adult co-
teacher with Ralph Hammond, member of the choir, UMW Circle, Prayer Team and ‘Christmas and
Beyond’ that supports those less fortunate in the community. Cherie was fierce in her love for her
family and friends and stood and spoke up for those being treated unfairly. She set an example of
self-sacrifice and active caring for others.
She was a faithful member of Arab First United Methodist Church and the ‘Class of our Redeemer’
for 58 years. Cherie is best known for her generosity to others and dedication to her friends and
family. Her faith in God was her anchor and encouraged others to do the same.
Cherie was an avid reader and enjoyed going to yard sales and flea markets while collecting Santa
dolls and Christmas décor.
She is survived by three sons and their families: Michael and his wife, Jane and grandson, Michael,
Jr.; Steve and his wife Laura, granddaughter, Raegan and grandsons, Logan and Jacob; Tom and
his wife, Kerrie, granddaughters, Caroline, Olivia and Katherine; granddaughter: Amanda (McNeal)
Cole and great granddaughter, Kaitlin and husband Jacob; granddaughter: Tammy (McNeal) Willis
and great granddaughter, Josie and great grandson, Sam; she is also survived by her sister Carol
McGovern and husband Tom along with many dear nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 15 th from 10am-Noon at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel with
graveside service immediately following at Arab Memorial Cemetery on South Main Street.
To honor the memory of Cherie her family has requested that in lieu-of-flowers, donations be made
to the Arab Wesleyan Church Building Fund, Arab First United Methodist ‘Christmas and Beyond’
Fund or Shepherd’s Cove Hospice of Albertville who provided such great care in her final days.
