Lydia Louise Kinard Neal, 93, died Saturday, November 11, 2023, at North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born July 21, 1930, in Forrest County, Mississippi to George Forrest Kinard and Anne Elva Lee Kinard. She grew up in Meridian, Lumberton, and Hattiesburg. On December 1, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama she married Maynard C. Neal. They were married for 67 years before his death in 2013. During her working life, she was a vital part of the administration of Kinard B&M Trucking and later Dean Truck Line. Lydia was an avid reader and enjoyed watching Major League Baseball, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and bird-watching.
Lydia is survived by her three children, Sherelle Anne Funderburg and her husband, Fred, of Millington, Tennessee, Forest Sparks and her husband, Jerry, of Tupelo, Maynard Carrson Neal and his wife, Lisa, of Plantersville; six grandchildren, Sherri Layne of Juneau, Alaska, Lori Jean Walker and her husband Aaron of Sevierville, Tennessee, William Brant Sappington and his wife, Brittany, of Booneville, Cindy Sappington Phyfer and her husband, Paul, of Sacramento, California, Kellen Neal and his wife, Diane, of Olive Branch, and Laura Neal Young and her husband, Andrew, of Prairieville, Louisiana and 13 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Helen Lynette Sappington; brother, Forrest Dewitt Kinard; and sister, Betty Lou Kinard Carr.
Private graveside services will be held at Lee Memorial Park with Rev. James Vandevander officiating. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
