Obituary of Lois Neal

Southern Shores, NC Lois M. Neal, mother of five boys, wife of the late Briggs Neal, Jr., originally from Madison, NC, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, in Nags Head, NC, after a valiant struggle. She was 91. She was the last surviving daughter of Charles Lofton Martin and Daisy Busick Martin who had six girls and one son. She and her husband moved from Madison, NC, to the Outer Banks in 1969 and lived in Southern Shores until he passed. After her husband Briggs died in 1985, she lived in Pinehurst, NC, Greensboro, NC, Madison, NC, Newport Richey, Fla, and finally on the Outer Banks with two of her sons since 2011. She was a proud member of the D.A.R., (Daughters of the American Revolution), and a faithful member of the Christian Science Church, as well as a partner in the original Colony IV Motel, (now called “Shutters” in Kill Devil Hills, NC), with her brother-in-law, Ralph Neal, and his wife, Iris, from Southern Shores. She was a lady of strong faith who enjoyed spending time with her large family. She enjoyed bridge, travel and baking. Lois was a talented artist, and found joy in painting and needlework. She made each new grandchild an heirloom quality needlepoint Christmas stocking, and each year would bake dozens of Moravian Christmas cookies. She was an excellent homemaker, and the happy memories she created for her family will last forever. To say she was much loved is a huge understatement. She outlived her dear husband by 28 years, and called for him until the end. She is survived by her five boys, L.Briggs Neal, III, of the homeplace in Madison, NC, David L. Neal of Southern Shores, NC, Gary P. Neal of Newport News, Va., Martin L. Neal now in the Virgin Islands, and Charles Allan Neal of Newport Richey, Fla. There are 16 grandchildren, and 13 beautiful great grand children. A service and gathering of as many immediate and extended family members as possible is planned for her birthday, Mother’s Day, May 12, 2013 at Southern Shores on the Outer Banks. Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo, NC is assisting the family with arrangements.