Anita Louise DeHart McNeal

Anita Louise DeHart McNeal August 3, 1937 - February 15, 2025 (87 years young)

Anita gained her angel wings on Saturday, February 15, 2025. Anita was born on August 3, 1937 in Crab Orchard, West Virginia. She was the daughter of the late, Buster Alfonzo DeHart and of Dora Effie Stump DeHart.

Anita wore many hats throughout her life: She was a lifetime West Virginian until she retired and moved to NC 32 years ago. She worked at Thompson Drug Store in Crab Orchard during her high school years. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, the Class of 1955. 

Two months later, she married John(ny) H McNeal in the U.S. Air Force. They married in Meridian, Mississippi on their way to where he was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama. After serving, and upon discharge, they moved back to Beckley, WV. They had 4 children: John Lee McNeal, of Robbins, NC; Jane McNeal Totten, of Robbins, NC; Joan (Doug) McNeal McDaniel, of Crab Orchard, WV; and Joy Carol McNeal McGuire of Indian Trail, NC.

She went to Beckley College to complete shorthand and medical terminology, to get a certificate of completion.

She worked at Leeds Dept Store, Murphys Dept Store, Beckley Newspaper, Dr. Covey's Office, the Glass House, Bank of Raleigh, Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr. Josh Abraham, then retired and moved to NC. There she worked at Delmar Photography Studios of Charlotte, NC, Dollar General and Southern Supreme, until she became a full-time caregiver to her daughter, Jane, of 18 years.

Anita was an excellent cook, made incredible crafts, candies, awesome wedding cake maker & decorator, caterer of weddings....but most of all she loved well! She served well! To know her was to love her! She was the life of the Party! A "hoot and a poot"! Funny and quick witted! Always welcomed those who were in need and loved the " broken ones"!

Anita has 3 surviving siblings, Elaine DeHart Gravely, of Beckley; Pam (Steve) DeHart Frey of Phillipi, WV; Renee (Bobby) DeHart Pipkin of Foxfire, NC; and her sister-in-law Brenda Carol McNeal Peak of Rock Hill, SC. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren,and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, who loved and adored her

Anita was preceded in death by her Mother & Father, Buster Alfonzo & Dora Effie Stump DeHart; her husband of 67 years, John(ny) McNeal; her daughter Jane Ann McNeal Totten; her sister Patsy DeHart Ritter; her brother in law (BI) Bill McNeal and wife Janet Nary McNeal.

 Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 6pm - 9pm. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 1pm.All Services will be held at Calfee Funeral Home at 800 S. Oakwood Ave Beckley, WV. Graveside Service/Internment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley, WV. Rev. Charles " Butch" Accord will be officiating the services.

We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Randy Hussy and staff at Kennedy Funeral Home in Robbins, NC; also to Alston Brook/ Davidson Health & Rehab Staff for such amazing care and love to our mother during her stay.

We would also like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Dan Calfee & Calfee Funeral Home for easing our heartbreak & caring for our family on this journey.

We would also like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Roger Vandall with Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.