Jacqueline Wiley Neal

Jacqueline Elaine Neal, B.A., M.A., Ph. D., age 95, of Evansville, Indiana, transitioned peacefully on June 16, 2026. Dr. Neal was born to Vernon and Georgia Wiley (Rucker) on November 22, 1930, in Antioch, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Ira T. Neal, and their daughter, Greta M. Miller.

Dr. Neal was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother dedicated to her family and is survived by her three beloved granddaughters, Kristin Tinsley Givens Finch (Paul), Jennifer Renee Miller, and Courtney Linn Rhodes Greer (Lance), two great-granddaughters, Kylah and Kamryn Rhodes, and one great-grandson, Kaden Rhodes, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. Dr. Neal was also considered an aunt, mentor, trusted advisor, and friend to many young people in the Evansville community.

Dr. Neal was a devoted Christian and a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Evansville, where she served as the Director of Christian Education, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Mother’s Board, pianist and choir director for decades. She joined New Hope at the age of 6, likely making her the longest living member until her passing.

Dr. Neal was a graduate of the University of Evansville, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, and from Indiana University, where she earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education. Notably, she graduated from high school at the age of 16 and immediately entered what was then known as Evansville College. She also earned certifications from the University of Evansville in Reading and Administration. She later followed her passion and earned her doctorate in Ministry from the Trinity Theological Seminary and College.

Her civic affiliations are too numerous to mention, but include being a founding member of the Zeta Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Lions Club charter member and the first woman Lions Club president in Indiana, a member of the NAACP, Friends of Williard Library, Joshua Academy Board of Directors, the YWCA, board member and volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocate, and was an active foster parent trainer.

For over 30 years, Dr. Neal worked for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation as an elementary school teacher and principal. Dr. Neal had a life-long passion for helping students to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond. She understood the importance of children being present and supported at school and could often be seen walking the neighborhood around Delaware Elementary while she was principal to bring her students to school each day.

Dr. Neal was an academic and administrator, but she also had a different side to her, including:

- being a great bowler, including having her high score published on the sports page in the local newspaper;

- being a world traveler, and even won a dance contest on vacation in Jamaica;

- being a voracious reader, reading 3-4 books each week; and

- writing numerous letters to the Editor of the local newspaper.

She is really worth a Google.

After she retired from EVSC she began a part-time job as a receptionist at Ivy Tech. They loved her so much they gave her a 30-minute break to watch Jeopardy during her very short four-hour shift.

Mason Brothers Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Dr. Neal. Per the wishes of the family, a celebration will be held in her honor later this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Drs. Ira T. and Jacqueline E. Neal Memorial Scholarship Fund through Old National Bank. Contributions may be mailed to Old National Bank, One Main St. PO Box 718, Evansville, IN 47705, or made in person at any Old National Bank branch location.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Heritage Center and Heritage Hospice Care for treating our grandmother, aunt and friend like a member of their own families. We are forever grateful for the love she was shown.