Janet F. Neal

Janet F. Neal passed away on September 9, 2022 after a short battle with cancer.  Born on October 14, 1939 to James Clayton Foster and Helen Bass Foster of Brookneal, Virginia, Janet grew up in Campbell County and graduated from William Campbell High School in 1957 and Phillips Business College in 1958.  After a brief career working at the Lynchburg Training School, she turned her focus to raising her children; Greg, Jeff, Mary Douglas, and Matt.  Janet was a member of Bedford Presbyterian Church for over 40 years where she enjoyed volunteering her services in the kitchen on many occasions.  For a time, she enjoyed golfing as a member of the Bedford Country Club.  For several years, she and a friend owned and operated a small business in Bedford, The Rainbow Collection, which specialized in gift baskets.  She was also a medical secretary at both Bedford Memorial Hospital and Physicians Associates in Bedford.  Some of her happiest times were the many beach vacations, holidays, and gatherings with family and friends that always included lots of laughter.  Janet very much enjoyed playing Bridge in her three clubs.  In her final days, she often focused on the Bridge Clubs and the many special friends she made over the years.  These friends have expressed to the family that Janet was always one of the first to offer assistance should a need arise.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Douglas Neal; mother, Helen Bass Foster; father, James Clayton Foster; sisters, Marjorie May Foster and Marie Lipscomb Ashworth; brother, James Clayton Foster, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Alesa Brookshier Neal.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Harold K. Neal; sons, Gregory K. Neal, Jeffrey P. Neal and Matthew B. Neal; sister, Nancy F. Walker and her husband, Herman Walker; Sister-in-law, Nancy S. Foster; Granddaughters, Alexa Neal McPeak and her husband, David McPeak, and Savannah K. Neal.

The family would like to express our gratitude to Centra Hospice.  Their care and service to Janet and family over the past two months was very much appreciated, as they helped the family through a very difficult time.  We would also like to give a special thank you to Janet’s nightly aide, Yvette Rose, whose kindness, compassion, sense of humor, and sweet demeanor made Janet’s and the family’s evenings not only restful but also quite enjoyable.  Thanks also to the many friends, family, and neighbors who visited us, fed us, helped us, prayed for us, and offered us kind words of both encouragement and sympathy. We love you.

 

There will be a memorial service at Bedford Presbyterian Church on October 1st, at 2:00 PM.  A graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery will be conducted at 1:00 PM for those who wish to attend.

 

The family ask that in lieu flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Bedford Hospice House, 1621 Whitfield Dr., Bedford, VA 24523 or Bedford Presbyterian Church, 105 W Main St., Bedford, VA 24523.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.