Jerdean Neal-Sullivan, 69, of Lexa, AR transitioned from this earthly life on the morning of November 26, 2020 in Alexander, AR.
Jerdean was born in Helena, AR to Jerry and Melvina Neal Sr. on May 27, 1951. She was the fourth of nine children. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age at First Baptist Church in West Helena, AR where she served as Sunday School secretary until high school graduation. While attending high school, Jerdean became the first African American cashier at a major grocery outlet. In 1969, she graduated from Central High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Arkansas University in 1973, and soon began her teaching career. She worked as a teacher and Instructional Facilitator for Helena-West Helena School District for 40 years. Even after retiring from teaching in the school system, she continued to teach Children’s church at Faith Outreach.
Jerdean married Mac Sullivan on December 21, 1974. During her recent battle with cancer, Jerdean relied on her husband, and her faith in the Lord. Mac was her rock, she depended on him for her sight and for her care. His devotion and love for her is everlasting.
Jerdean’s faith was unwavering. Even though there were good days and bad days, one would not know when she was down. She remained faithful and believed that God was in control. She loved to call and check on friends and family. Her laughter was contagious. She wasn’t one to dwell on her circumstances. She was always positive and uplifting even with her loss of sight. Her love for others and her ongoing willingness to do whatever it took to fight this battle for her family showed her determination.
Jerdean never met a stranger and strived to make a difference in the lives of everyone she knew. Her love for the Lord, education and the relationships that she built will forever be cherished. She was a blessing to all in her own special way. Her life was an inspiration and her memory will serve as the foundation of her legacy.
Jerdean is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Neal Sr. and sister Florida Mae Hurst.
Jerdean is survived by her devoted husband, Mac Sullivan; three daughters: Sherese Hicks of Conway AR, Chanda (Curtis) Walker Jr. of Blytheville AR, and Tiffiny Sullivan of Alexander AR; mother, Melvina Neal of Little Rock, AR; four brothers: Jerry (JoAnn) Neal of Detroit, MI, Charlie (Brenda) Neal of Little Rock, AR, Melvin (Cynthia) Neal of Little Rock, AR, Bryant (Debbie) Neal of Wailuku, HI; three sisters, Sherry (Bill) Daniels of Carrollton, TX, Brenda (Rickey)Thomas of Little Rock, AR, and Sandra (Barry) Knowles of Orange Park, FL; five grandchildren, James Hicks Jr., Evan Hicks and Joshua Hicks of Conway, AR; Ryley Walker, and McKinley Walker of Blytheville, AR and a host of other relatives and friends.
REMEMBERING TOGETHER
Memories & condolences
Keeping the family lifted up in prayer from the Kale, Edmond, and Flowers family.
LaGanzie Kale
To the Family, My sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. Understanding that the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one is natural and necessary, it is also healing and cleansing. When the tears are fewer, and the feeling of great loss lessens, you will see beyond your grief and remember the beautiful, amazing woman Jerdean was to each of you. You will always carry her in your hearts. May the Most High wrap each of you in His tender embrace of love and comfort as you navigate through your sorrow. Love & Prayers
Annette Smith
Keeping the family in prayers. My deepest condolences from Teresa Thomas Family
Robert Anthony Thomas
We were high school friends. We became cousins by marriage. There was always a hug and warm greeting whenever we saw each other. Sometimes she prayed for me and with me. Most of all her cheerful and optimistic spirit will never be forgotten. My condolences to the family.
Charlotte Perkins Phillips
To the Sullivan family i was sad to hear about the passing of Mrs. Sullivan she was a Beautiful person she was a very nice person to work with and to be around. Each time she saw you she always had that Beautiful smile. I worked with her when she taught at Beachcreast School she touched many lives of Teaching Students , While Mrs.Sullivan was teaching at Beachcreast School her and my sister Ferry Tribune became good friends, And to Tiffany and the other sisters you had a sweet mom and i know you all will forever cheerish her LEGACY. FROM SANDRA TYER - CONWAY, ARK Ferry Tribune - West Helena, Ark
Sandra Tyler
May you all continue to be strengthened now and in the days to come by the Sweet Holy Spirit!
LaRhonda Sullivan
Blessings, Condolences,Love & Prayers to the entire family.
Cordelia McGinister-Lee
I will truly miss my friendship, my confidant, my prayer partner, my client who entrusted me with her gorgeous hair. I didn’t know her very long, about five years, but she never ceased to amaze me with her strength and fortitude throughout what she called her journey. I didn’t realize how much I relied on her appointments and seeing her smile, and learning how to be a true suffering servant until she was gone. To Mrs. Melvina, Mr. Mack, her daughters, her siblings and the rest of the family, your lost is my lost. I too am so heartbroken. But I know where she is, safe in the Lord. God bless you all.
Ola Woods
Our family sends our sympathy and love to Ms. Melvina Neal and the Sullivan family. I pray of comfort for the family.
Felicia Petty Smith
My Condolences, Love & Prayers goes out to the family within this time. Mrs. Sullivan will be missed in so many ways but honored in our hearts. From her true poises, warm smiles, graceful honesty, and most of all her strong belief in family united.
A friend
My apologies for the late post. I am just seeing this obit. Mrs. Sullivan was my first grade teacher at Beechcrest Elementary in West Helena. She was instrumental in ensuring that I be double promoted to the third grade. She saw something in me ,that she and my mother only noticed. She made me love school and would take extra time with me, especially when I had panic attacks. She also taught me how to make friends, since I was an only child, and had grown accustom to playing by myself. She was a beautiful person, with amazing intelligence, and class. In my opinion she was the epitome of what being a teacher means. I know she will be truly missed by so many, especially me. If it is ever asked, if she made an impact in this world? Whomever answers should respond with an resounding , Yes! She impacted me. Love you Mrs. Sullivan Rest in peace and love.
Dr. Lashay Alexander-Thomas, FRNP, DNP
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