Nan Teresa Neal of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2024, at her home at the age of 75. Teresa was born in Corpus Cristi, Texas, on November 23, 1948, to Calvin and Sue Crouch. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Robert (Bob) Edward Neal and her three children, Robert Edward Neal Jr, Bradley Calvin Neal (Wife Kelly Alligood Neal), and Sarah Brooke Chapman (Husband Dennis Chapman). She was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren, Lily Charlene Neal, Corbin Bradley Neal, Carly Ann Chapman and Cooper Neal Chapman. Teresa is also survived by her sister, Robin Ayliffe, and brother, Mark Crouch (Wife Pattie Crouch) and many nephews and nieces.
Teresa grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, with a degree in Elementary Education in 1970. Teresa and Bob were married on August 23, 1969, and lived in Mobile, Alabama, for a year before returning to Jacksonville, Florida. In 1976, Teresa and Bob moved to Miami, Florida, where they lived for 25 years. In 2001, Teresa and Bob relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida.
In 1970, Teresa began her teaching career at Normandy Elementary in Jacksonville, Florida. She stayed at home to raise her three children for 10 years. She resumed her teaching career at Perrine Baptist Academy in Miami, Florida. Teresa taught second grade for 17 years and made many life-long friends. After moving to West Palm Beach in 2001, she taught first grade at Seacrest Christian School for seven years. Teresa finished her teaching career at Saint Joseph’s Episcopal School and retired in 2014. During her 34-year career in Christian education, she was a devoted and loving teacher who touched many lives.
Teresa and Bob were avid travelers, visiting 26 national parks together, enjoying the ocean on cruises, and exploring God’s creation on many other travel adventures. Even at home, she immersed herself in the beauty around her by nurturing her own koi pond and taking many photographs of flowers, birds, and sunsets.
Teresa was passionate about spending time with her family, and her greatest joy was her grandchildren. Each grandchild was precious to her, and she had a special bond with each child. Always a teacher at heart, she loved to read with them, offer grandmotherly advice, and share stories and lessons from the Bible. She loved spending quality time doing anything that would not only provide enjoyment but would inspire a love of learning.
Teresa was a faithful member of Family Church Downtown in West Palm Beach for 23 years. She served continuously and was active in many ministries. Teresa was a blessing to each and every one she met, inviting all to church and helping to lead many people to Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to any organization that supports the message of Jesus Christ. Teresa actively supported Family Church, Cuba for Christ www.cuba4christ.org, and First Care at www.firstcareforlife.com.
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