Melissa Anne Keyes-Neal

Melissa Anne Keyes-Neal

June 27, 1955 - February 3, 2023

Melissa Anne Keyes-Neal, age 67, died on February 3, 2023 in Jacksonville, FL after a long battle with COPD. For the past 45 years, Melissa and her late husband, William Stuart Neal IV of New Orleans, LA, made Jacksonville their home. In addition to her husband, Melissa was predeceased by her mother, Jean Caroll Keyes, her grandparents, James Caroll and Hariett Schultz, and her brother, Cory. She also had two uncles, Robert Caroll and Kenny Schultz. Melissa is survived by her two sisters-in-law, Priscilla Dianne Neal Davenport and Mary Susan Neal Blakeman (Don), and a step sister-in-law, Claire Picheloup Gisclair (Derby), as well as their many children and grandchildren.

Melissa was born in St. Cloud, FL on June 27, 1955 and attended Florida State University. In her early adult years Melissa partnered with her friend, Mary A. Grimes, in ownership of the Backdoor Disco where she met Stuart, her future husband and love of her life. Among her other jobs, her two favorites were working at the Jacksonville Zoo and DJing parties on the St. Johns riverboats. Besides her love of animals and music, Melissa loved traveling, going to live concerts, and having philosophical discussions with friends about current events. But most of all, she loved her sweet dog, Beignet, and cheering on the Florida State Seminoles and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The family is very grateful for the loving care provided by Tressa, Marvina, Mahara and Sheila during Melissa’s final months. Family and friends are invited to the funeral visitation on Thursday, February 16, 2023 beginning at 10:00 am at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel followed by the burial service at noon at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd. in Jacksonville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to www.QualityLifeCenter.com or www.MHRCflorida.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com.