Obituary for Esther A. (Dickey) McNeal
Esther A. (Dickey) McNeal, 84. of Curwensville RD, went home to be with the Lord on Friday December 13, 2013 at her residence.
Born on December 4, 1929 in Bells landing during a horrific blizzard, she was delivered by her own father the late Joseph R. Dickey and mother Laoma (Straw) Dickey Kime.
As a three year old child, Esther suffered a knee injury that left her with a lifetime disability. Old Dr. Waterworth, the founder of the Clearfield Hospital, was the only surgeon on the east coast who would operate on a child with her injury and resulting infection. He successfully saved Esther’s life.
She graduated from Curwensville High School in 1948, and then from the “then” Clarion State Teacher’s College in 1952 with a double education major in English and Mathematics. Esther’s mother taught her to play the piano at a very early age, and she played for over 70 years as a church pianist/organist. Proverbs 3:5,6 were Esther’s Life Verses. She was a member of the Cherry Corner Bible Church.
She substituted as a teacher for years while raising three daughters and was instrumental in the ground work for the start and subsequent establishment of the DuBois Christian Schools. The last 17 years of her teaching career were spent in the secondary education of juniors and seniors at DuBois Christian Schools.
On August 9, 1953 in Bells Landing she wed Lewis J “JC” McNeal and who preceded her in death on December 16, 2010. “JC” was also a teacher. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Denise Norris, a grandson Logan Norris, 4 brothers William “Clyde”, David Charles “Chuck”, Perry “Russell”, and infant Joseph Dickey and an infant sister Ruth. She was the last member of her generation
Surviving are 2 daughters Cheryl Harbridge and husband Bruce of Brockway and Anita Wood and husband Donald of Hershey as well as 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Mrs. McNeal will be held at the Cherry Corner Bible Church 1464 Church Road Curwensville, PA 16833 on Saturday January 25, 2014 at 11 AM, with the Reverend George W. Solley officiating. Interment was in the Watts Cemetery Redden Hill, Curwensville RD.
Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM Saturday until time of Services at 11 AM
The family suggests contributions be made to the Cherry Corner Bible Church c/o 155 Nellie's Road Grampian, PA 16838
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
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Born on December 4, 1929 in Bells landing during a horrific blizzard, she was delivered by her own father the late Joseph R. Dickey and mother Laoma (Straw) Dickey Kime.
As a three year old child, Esther suffered a knee injury that left her with a lifetime disability. Old Dr. Waterworth, the founder of the Clearfield Hospital, was the only surgeon on the east coast who would operate on a child with her injury and resulting infection. He successfully saved Esther’s life.
She graduated from Curwensville High School in 1948, and then from the “then” Clarion State Teacher’s College in 1952 with a double education major in English and Mathematics. Esther’s mother taught her to play the piano at a very early age, and she played for over 70 years as a church pianist/organist. Proverbs 3:5,6 were Esther’s Life Verses. She was a member of the Cherry Corner Bible Church.
She substituted as a teacher for years while raising three daughters and was instrumental in the ground work for the start and subsequent establishment of the DuBois Christian Schools. The last 17 years of her teaching career were spent in the secondary education of juniors and seniors at DuBois Christian Schools.
On August 9, 1953 in Bells Landing she wed Lewis J “JC” McNeal and who preceded her in death on December 16, 2010. “JC” was also a teacher. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter Denise Norris, a grandson Logan Norris, 4 brothers William “Clyde”, David Charles “Chuck”, Perry “Russell”, and infant Joseph Dickey and an infant sister Ruth. She was the last member of her generation
Surviving are 2 daughters Cheryl Harbridge and husband Bruce of Brockway and Anita Wood and husband Donald of Hershey as well as 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service for Mrs. McNeal will be held at the Cherry Corner Bible Church 1464 Church Road Curwensville, PA 16833 on Saturday January 25, 2014 at 11 AM, with the Reverend George W. Solley officiating. Interment was in the Watts Cemetery Redden Hill, Curwensville RD.
Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM Saturday until time of Services at 11 AM
The family suggests contributions be made to the Cherry Corner Bible Church c/o 155 Nellie's Road Grampian, PA 16838
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home, Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
To plant a tree in memory of Esther A. (Dickey) McNeal, visit the Tribute Store.
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