Gazella Estella Neal Beebe

Gazella Estella (Neal) Beebe of Olympia Fields, IL died Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at home at age 85. She was born January 31, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of William and Ida (Jeffress) Neal.

Gazella was a devoted wife to her husband, Joseph Allen Beebe, III for 24 years until his death in 1972. She was a graduate of Rankin High School in Pittsburgh, PA and attended Howard University in Washington, DC where she met and married her husband. They then lived in Durham, NC, Dayton, OH and Lansing, MI. Gazella worked as a substitute teacher where she imparted her special wisdom and discipline to her pupils. She also worked in a major department store wrapping gifts with her special care and precision. Lastly she worked for the state of Michigan for 25 years from which she retired in 1998. Gazella had a strong faith in God and this was evident by her desire to help others learn about and gain a relationship with the Lord including missionary trips to Haiti and Pakistan. Gazella was a faithful member of several churches throughout her life. She worked tirelessly and gained love and respect from pastors, ministers and congregation members. She committed her life to Christ and she avidly worked in the church as long as she was able.

Gazella devoted her life to her family. She was willing to help others that she came in contact with and made everyone feel extra special. Her actions made you feel like you were the most important person. She left a legacy of love for all to follow; people loved her.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Ralph Neal, William Neal and Harold Neal. Gazella leaves to cherish her loving memory five children, Denise (Verbie) Walder of Dayton, Ohio, Joseph Beebe, IV, James (Valder) Beebe all of Dallas, Texas, Gary Beebe of San Diego, CA and Thomas (Mitzi) Beebe of Olympia Fields, IL; sister, Mariyam “Razia” Zafr; sister-in-law, Elsie Neal; niece Deborah Neal Hadnott; devoted caretakers, Erinn Mitchell and Beverly Singleton; beloved friends, Daisy Brown and Beatrice Clement. A legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves other relatives and friends.