Berniece J. McNeal, 94, of Hope, formerly of Paris, Ark., died on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007. She was born in Fort Smith on May 30, 1913, to Oscar Benjamin and Mary Leona Jewel Brickey.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Paris, where she taught Sunday School of 40 years. She was a Girl Scout leader for 35 years and was the recipient of the Friendship Award.

She initiated a fund drive to endow a Girl Scout Golden Harvest Award in Paris.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Glenn O. McNeal, who died in 1986.

Survivors include three sons, Glenn O. McNeal and his wife Cherie of Arab, Ala., Larry W. McNeal and his wife Judy, of Waldo, Ark., and David W. McNeal and his wife Alice of Eureka Springs; one daughter, Gayle Garner and her husband Larry of Hope; and a sister-in-law, Ruth McNeal of Paris; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007. Arrangements were by Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prairie View Cemetery Association, in care of Ann Knight, P.O. Box 61, Scranton, AR 72863. Condolences may be left for the family at www.brazzel funeralhomes.com.