Esther “Sharon” Neal, 80, of Owensboro, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. She was born March 7, 1944 in Pleasant Ridge, Kentucky to the late Ott and Gertie Taylor. Sharon was previously employed by Kentucky Wesleyan College. She enjoyed camping, Miss Pacman, and playing checkers and cards with her grandkids. Sharon loved spending time with her family and her cats; Baby, George, and Muffin; and dog, Chloe.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Neal, Sr.; sons, Gary J. Neal Jr., Steve Neal, John Neal and Chad Neal; daughter, Pam Dillingham; siblings, June Parker, Phillip Taylor, Franklin Taylor, Jenkins Taylor, and Paul Taylor; and Michelle’s fiancé, Clint R. Bevins.
She is survived by a daughter, Michelle Duffy (Neal); 14 grandchildren, Duane Neal, Matthew Neal, Jerry Dillingham, Kassie Mauzy, Crystal Latham, Gary Neal III, John Neal, Shawna Rivas (James), Kaitlyn Elliott, Jeffrey Sumner (Marley), Justin Sumner (Erica), Jacob Sumner (Katy), Laurel Duffy, and Darrell Duffy (Moon); several great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Paul Gatewood officiating. Burial will follow in Green Brier Cemetery. Visitation is from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday and from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.