Anna McNeil

Sept. 29, 1929, was a special day for Iverson and Sallie Rice Sr. of Pleasantville NJ. They became the proud parents of not one, but two lovely daughters, whom they would name, Anna and Annie. Anna, whose Home-going we are celebrating today, was raised most of her young life in Pleasantville until her family purchased a farm in Pomona in her early teenage years. As student at Farmington School, Anna strived to do her best.

After leaving school, Anna worked as a housekeeper in several Atlantic City's Hotels. While working there, she met her handsome husband Benjamin Franklin McNeil. From the union they produced two children, Michael and Michelle Annie. Benjamin had a son from a previous marriage whom Anna welcomed into the family with open arms. Anna became a stay-at-home mother and homemaker until her children went to school, at which time she gained employment at NAFEC (FAA Technical Center) as a short order cook and later at Wheaton's Plastic where she retired in 1991.

Anna enjoyed spending much of her free time in her yard and beautiful flower garden. She also loved cooking and baking pies and cakes for family and friends. As a faithful and long-time member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Egg Harbor City NJ, Anna gave much service unto the Lord. She was a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent. She also was an usher, choir member, pianist, evangelist and missionary. She truly loved the Lord!

Anna started by ministering to her own children, nieces and nephews to later extend her ministry by visiting the sick/shut-in and homeless shelters. When Anna's health began to fail (after a 3rd stroke), she moved to Glassboro to live with her daughter Michelle. Shortly after, Anna joined St. Matthew's Baptist Church (SMBC). She participated in Sunday school at SMBC (even though she was in a wheel chair). Requiring twenty-four hour medical care, Anna moved to a nursing facility but SMBC members faithfully maintained contact with her. She was a member of SMBC until the Lord called her home.

Anna was pre-deceased by her husband Benjamin, step-son Benjamin Gary, and thirteen siblings (8 brothers and 5 sisters), including her twin sister Annie, who passed away at the early age of six, a grandson (via marriage) Kevin Roberts, and a great granddaughter, Angel.

Anna is survived by her son Michael McNeil, (wife Linda); her daughter; Michelle McNeil-Hicks. Four grandchildren; Shelana (Hicks)Roberts, Charles Hicks, Danielle and Michaela McNeil. Two great granddaughters; Brook-lynn and Cheyenne Roberts.One brother, David Rice Sr. (wife Darlene), one sister-in-law, Elizabeth Rice; and one brother-in-law, Albert Martin.Plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We will miss her smile, quick wit and unending love.