Tonye L. Neal

Tonye Lee Neal met her Lord Jesus Christ in eternity on February 17, 2025 at the age of 59. She was born May 4, 1965 in Laughlin AFB, TX. Her parents are Sammye and Steve Smallwood of Uvalde, Gail Evans and the late Walter Stuart Evans of Harrellsville, NC. She married Gregory Neal on June 3, 1989. They have two sons: LCDR Joshua Blair Joseph Neal, stationed in New Orleans, LA, and SGT Josiah Caleb William Neal, stationed at Ft. Cavazos, TX.

 Tonye has four siblings, Lance B. Jones of Kyle, TX, Gloria Clark of Jasper, TX, and Lydia and Whitney Evans of Jamestown, NC.

 Tonye Lee dedicated her life to serving Jesus Christ, from the day she was baptized on January 13, 1984, until the end of her hard battle with cancer. She served the Lord in various capacities: as leader of women's Bible studies, leader of community dance groups, both in San Antonio, TX and Uvalde, and leader of music at numerous churches at which she attended and served, most recently Uvalde Methodist Church. Tonye “fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she kept the faith. And now there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

 Tonye always sought to be active in the community and in the lives of the people around her, both youth and adults, and in that endeavor, she greatly succeeded. Tonye Neal lived a wonderful, brave and sacrificial life. For her, we are all thankful, and we will never forget her. "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matt. 25:23). 

 Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary. 

 A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Uvalde Methodist Church. 

 Cremation is under the direction of Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary. 

 Memorial donations may be made to the music ministry of the Uvalde Methodist Church, 301 N. High Street. Music that glorified Jesus was a major part of Tonye’s life and she longed to see this ministry grow and flourish.