N. Roberta Neel

Roberta Neel, 94, longtime Muskogee resident, passed into her Heavenly home on Friday, March 9, 2018. Roberta was born on August 22, 1923 in Oktaha, OK to Louis and Elsie Barnes. She graduated from Wainwright High School in 1941. In 1942, she began a career with Southwestern Bell, working there for 34 years until her retirement in April 1984. She was a member of Pioneer Belles and Telephone Pioneers of America. Roberta married Clarence Neel of Wagoner, OK on August 23, 1947. They were married for 60 years and raised their family in Muskogee. Roberta was a loving, doting, and caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Bertie, as her friends called her, loved to quilt, bake, watch sports and spend time with her friends and family. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for over 60 years, where she sang in the church choir and participated in Stitch ‘n Sew. A member of Muskogee Area Quilters Guild, she loved to quilt, making numerous quilts for her family and friends over the years. She enjoyed going to the Kiwanis Senior Center to do crafts and visit with friends. Roberta is survived by son Barry Neel and wife Doris of Muskogee; daughter Donna Neel of Dallas, TX; grandson Charles Devin Thomas and wife Liz of Cumberland, MD; granddaughter Brandi Neel Jones and husband Jason of Muskogee; sister Aldena Barnes Powell and husband Jerrell of St. Johns, Florida; three great-grandsons Jacob, Brason, and Jaxon Jones, and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Roberta was preceded in death by her husband Clarence (on 12/24/2007); sister Louise Hobbs Haddox, and parents Louis and Elsie Barnes. A service to celebrate Roberta’s life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel in Muskogee. She will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caring staff of Eastgate Village and her personal caretaker Judy Asbill. Friends wishing to honor Roberta may donate to Trinity United Methodist Church, 518 Houston, Muskogee OK 74403, or to a charity of choice.

N. Roberta Neel

August 22, 1923 - March 9, 2018