Ms. Betty Joe Neal

Betty Joe Neal, age 81, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at The Crossing at Riverside in Searcy, Arkansas. Born and raised in Joplin, Missouri, Betty was the daughter of Joe and Birdie Opal (Clawson) Neal. She dedicated 36 years of her life working in food service at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin. She was a hardworking and dependable woman who took great pride in providing for her family. After retiring at the age of 65, Betty moved to Searcy, Arkansas, to be closer to her daughters. She became a member of First Baptist Church in Searcy and made her home in a retirement community, where she built many meaningful friendships. Betty loved playing cards and was known for her kindness and willingness to help others—often driving fellow residents wherever they needed to go. Betty was a strong and determined woman who sacrificed much for her children. Her children shared that she would often remind them, “We may not have had what we wanted, but we had everything we needed.” Betty worked tirelessly to provide for her family, always putting their needs before her own. Her life was marked by dedication, strength, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. It was after retirement that Betty began to truly enjoy the simple things in life. She found joy in music and dancing, especially at the senior dances in Heber Springs. Those moments became some of her happiest times—when she could simply relax and be herself. Her children remain deeply grateful for all the sacrifices she made and the foundation she built for them. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Kimberly Sloan; and her brothers, Raymond Neal and Billy Neal. Betty leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward with love: her children, Tracy Sanders of Celina, Texas; Justin Sloan of Modesto, California; and Kelly (Michael) Merrell of Searcy, Arkansas; her grandchildren, Cole Sanders of Celina, Texas, Jeremiah Sloan of Modesto, California and Jacob (Hailee) Sloan of Modesto, California; her great-grandson, Leevi Jackson Sloan; and her brother, Sam Neal and wife Joanna of San Antonio, Texas. Private family services will be held at a later date so expressions of sympathy should be sent directly to the family. Tri-City Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the family of Betty Neal. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Tri-CityLLC.com .

Ms. Betty Joe Neal

October 27, 1944 - April 7, 2026