Mrs. Martha G. Neal

Mrs. Martha Goodwin Neal of Tampa, FL departed this life peacefully on Saturday, April 19, 2025.  A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, 1006 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33606 with Pastor Alan M. Harris, Officiating. The Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Avenue, Tampa, FL 33610.

Martha was born November 17, 1942, in Midville, GA, to the late Maxine Goodwin. She was raised in Tampa by her aunt, the late Pearl Hairston, affectionately known as Ma’dear, and William Hairston.  Martha was educated in Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, FL, where she graduated from Blake High School, Class of 1960.  After graduation, Martha attended Bethune-Cookman College, earning her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1964. Martha dedicated 38 years to educating the youth in Hillsborough County, and in 2001, she was the proud recipient of the 2000-2001 Teacher of the Year Award. Martha was a devoted teacher who inspired younger teachers with her strong work ethic, caring spirit, and true commitment to improving the lives of young people. She retired in 2002 from Roosevelt Elementary School, where she taught for 35 years. 

Martha was a dedicated member of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, where she served as a member of the Sanctuary Ladies, the Young Matrons/Ladies of Emerald. She was also a teacher for Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. Martha was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society. Martha loved spending quality time with her husband, children, family, and friends.  She loved watching daytime television shows, traveling, and had a special love and talent for creating flower arrangements, Easter Baskets, and other special gifts for friends and family.

Martha was preceded in death by: her loving husband of 56 years, Clovis “Blue” Neal; parents, Pearl and William Hairston; a dear sister, Yoron Hall Dennis; and a loving brother, William “Skeet” Hairston.

She leaves her precious memories with: her two children, Captain Clovis V. Neal (Elizabeth), FL, and Dr. Holly Neal Moreau, FL; loving brother, Davin Mark Goodwin, NJ; four grandchildren, Brianna Denson (Nicholas), FL, Christien Moreau, FL, Christopher and Ryan Neal, FL; three nieces, Francina Dennis, NJ, Cassandra Dennis, NJ, Yoron “Ronnie” Dennis, NJ; four nephews, James Dennis, FL, Alvin Dennis, NJ, Victor Dennis, NJ, and Michael Dennis, FL; god sister, Rutha Mae Harper, FL,; and a host of great grandchildren, cousins, family and close friends.

Special thanks to: Martha’s Caregivers, past and present: Toneika Salmon, FL; and niece, Angela “Ann” Crittendon, GA.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ms. Martha Neal, please Ray Williams Funeral home website.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, 1006 W. Cypress Street, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Martha G. Neal, please visit our floral store.