My mother, Dixie Lou Neal (Moore), 72, of Guysville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2025, just five days shy of her 73rd birthday. She was born on May 27, 1952, to the late Samuel "Dick" and Edith Finnearty Moore in Athens, Ohio. Dixie lived a life of unwavering faith, boundless generosity, and deep devotion to her family and community.

A proud Alexander High School and Tri-County Class of 1970 graduate, Dixie dedicated much of her professional life to service. She worked as a carhop, a typesetter, and an advertising specialist at The Athens Messenger. She was also a senior cashier and supervisor with the Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) for over two decades, supporting military families with diligence and care. Her commitment to the military extended beyond her career—she held what she considered the most vital role in the armed forces: that of a military spouse for 30 years and later a military parent.

Dixie also faithfully served alongside the late Dr. B. Munir Mirza and within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Her meticulous work included typing, proofreading, printing, sorting, and mailing religious materials—most notably, typing the Koran in ten different languages. Her dedication to this mission reflected her deep belief in God and her passion for helping others.

Known affectionately as "Momma Dixie" or "Ms. Dixie", she was a woman who never met a stranger. Her heart was open to all, whether through offering a kind word or sharing coupons and supplies from her well-stocked pantry. If someone needed something, chances were good that Momma Dixie had it—and would gladly give it.

She found joy in simple pleasures: Sewing, listening to music, reading avidly, clipping coupons with precision, and shopping enthusiastically. But above all else, she cherished time spent with her family.

Dixie is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Gordon Neal of Guysville; daughter Samantha (Richard) Keith of Jacksonville; son Nathan Neal of Guysville; sisters Patty (Sam) Thompson of Guysville and Sue Moore of Athens; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who brought light into her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved son William "Cody" Neal, and sisters Cathy Sloane and Gladys "Toots" Schall.

A funeral service honoring Dixie's life will be held at Hughes Funeral Home in Athens, Ohio, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. 

My mother handled all the finances; we haven't found a will. The services are $15,000, and we have not looked at headstones yet. My father is a retired veteran with a fixed income, so any help will be greatly appreciated.