Wilma Dee Neal, age 94, of McCulloch County, Texas, left her earthly home on her way to her eternal home in Heaven on Monday, February 23, 2026, in San Angelo. Wilma was born on May 2, 1931, in Krum, Texas, to T.C. Martin and Dee (Rippey) Martin. She was the eldest of three children. She was raised in Denton County and graduated from Krum High School. She graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in Home Economics Education and Biochemistry. Upon graduation, she started her first teaching position in Rochelle, Texas. She was interviewed and hired by the School Board President, who later introduced her to his son, Donald Lee Neal. They married on July 25, 1953, in Rochelle. She was the devoted wife, of 64 years, to a career rancher, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a community volunteer, a teacher, and a cherished friend.
Wilma spent her life in service to her family, community, and her church affiliations. She had a thirst for knowledge, and her passions were teaching, books, and gardening. She was a Master Gardener. She loved playing bridge and forty-two with her family and many friends. She served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, and leadership in many church organizations. At one point she went back to teaching at the Rochelle Elementary School. In 1984, she and her husband received the Distinguished Service Award for community service from the Brady/McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce. Above all, she was devoted to raising her family. She loved to cook and entertain. Her home was always open to anyone who “showed up.” She was a longtime member of the Brady Methodist Church.
Funeral services for Wilma Neal will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, 11:00am at the Brady Methodist Church in Brady with Brother Cody Dykes officiating. Interment will follow at Rochelle Cemetery in Rochelle. The family will be receiving friends Friday morning from 10am to 11am at the Brady Methodist Church. Friends may view and/or sign Wilma’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com. Pallbearers will be Landon Neal, Logan Neal, Cody Wright, Michael Matlock, Josh Greer, and Danny Neal.
Wilma is survived by her son David Neal and wife Deborah of San Angelo, TX; daughters Donna McCloy and husband Bob of Pipe Creek, TX and Connie Neal of San Angelo, TX; foster daughter Legrace DeFiore and husband Stephen of Brady, TX; five grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two nieces, two nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Neal, daughter Karen Neal, brother Wilford Martin, and sister Patricia Martin. Memorial contributions in memory of Wilma Dee (Martin) Neal may be made to the Rochelle Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 51, Rochelle, Texas 76872 and/or to the charity of choice.