Frances Joy (Pat) Neal 

(November 5, 1934- October 22, 2026) 

Frances Joy (Pat) Smith Neal, 91, passed peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter in Monticello, Mississippi, on Thursday morning, October 22, 2026. 

Born November 5, 1934, in Sontag, Mississippi, Pat was the daughter of the late Fred Olyn (Doc) Smith and Daisy Lerue (Mama Red) Daughdrill Smith. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Davis (Buddy) Neal; her three older brothers, Kenneth (Bro) Smith; Glenn Olyn (Hobo) Smith; Lloyd Donald (Slick) Smith; and her son-in-law, William Donald King• 

Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer King Smith (Terrell), and her son, Jody Tad Neal (Ramona). Grandchildren are Judd King; Joy Stokes (Chuck); Jonah King; Jerad Neal (Miranda); and Layton Neal. Great-grandchildren are Josie Stokes Faust (Taft); Chloe Stokes; Keeley Neal; Braylee King; and Maddie Neal. 

Pat spent her childhood in Sontag and Lawrence County, along with her loving family and friends, which shaped her giving spirit and her diligent work ethic. Pat met the love of her life, Davis (Buddy) Neal, in Sontag, at a dance when she was 16 years old. Pat's father, Doc Smith, called the steps for the square dances in the area. They were married on July 19, 1950, for 44 years, until Davis's death on November 19, 1994. 

Frances Joy Smith received her nickname "Pat" at an early age, from when she was a baby learning to walk. Mr. Sun Turnage would say, "pat, pat, pat" while mimicking the sound her feet would make. All her family had nicknames as well. A story that she often told was about her father, while tending to business at the Lawrence County Courthouse, needed to list the names of all his children. He replied their names were Bro, Hobo, Slick, and Pat. When asked for their real names, he had to go back home to get the correct information! 

In addition to being known by the name of Pat, there were other names that she was given, including: Miss Pat, Granny, Momma Pat, Aunt Pat, Cotton, Sweet Pea, and Miss Rutabaga (like the vegetable). 

Known as a diligent worker, Pat held many jobs over her lifetime in Lawrence County, such as: Kellwood plants at NewHebron and Monticello; Beulah Stamps Store; Goodrich Tires (owned by husband, Davis Neal, and son-in-law, Donald King); Phillips 66 Station (owned and operated with her husband); and Hudson Pharmacy, for owners/pharmacists Joey Hudson; Sam Lawrence; Don Courtney; and Roneasa Garner. She began working for Hudson Pharmacy in 1964 and was still working there at the age of 91 , for a total of 62 years, until this past July, when she became ill with pneumonia. She was known as a friendly and well-liked person in Hudson Pharmacy and thrived on seeing the customers daily. Never seeing the need to retire, Pat also brought her work ethic to many volunteer services and organizations, such as: Relay for Life fundraising; the Lawrence County Historical Society; and the Monticello Methodist Protestant Church (Women's Missionary Society), where she was a faithful and long-time member. She was a member of the Harmon Runnels Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In addition, she was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Pat has also received recognition by the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for her Civic contributions.

 Pat's life was long, full, and beautifully lived. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and unwavering devotion. 

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The family would like to express their gratitude to Joey and Kathy Hudson, who graciously asked to honor Pat Neal's memory by providing the floral casket arrangement for the funeral service. Appreciation is also given to Bethel Baptist Church in offering to assist in providing food for the family along with the Monticello Methodist Protestant Church, where Pat was a member.