kazzie Marie Neal

Kazzie Marie Neal was born March 15th 1935, in Lexington Mississippi to the late William Wiley and Mattie B. Saffold-Wiley. Marie peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on September 11th, 2024. 

Marie is preceeded in death by her parents; Husband, Larry Neal; Two brothers, William Penn and Merrion Leroy Wiley; Three sisters, Alma DeBerry, Shirley Fairley and Dorothy Wiley; and Grandson Hasani Neal.

Having accepted Christ at an early age, Marie’s christian faith was rooted and nurtured throughout her lifetime. She arrived in St. Paul in the early 1950s where Marie joined Pilgrim Baptist Church where she served on the Senior Usher Board and remained a faithful member until her death.

Marie had a love and passion for cooking. Upon her arrival to St. Paul, she joined her aunt Mattie Holmon, who owned and operated a local restaurant on Central Avenue. Marie worked side by side with her aunt, preparing and serving comfort soul food. It was during this time Marie met Larry Neal. They would marry in 1954 and to this union they were blessed with three daughters, Renee, Artamease and Maria.

Marie balanced both her home life and her career. While caring for her family was always her priority, Marie was employed over the years at Montgomery Wards, Guild Hall Nursing Home, Control Data, Cerenity Nursing Home and finally retiring from Ramsey Action Program/Meals on Wheels in 2004. Along with her love for cooking and family, Marie also enjoyed gardening where she shared the fruits of her labor with her neighbors.

Marie leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters; Renee Neal-Elzia, St. Paul, Artamease Neal, Pensacola FL, and Maria Tyler, St. Paul; Special and devoted granddaughter, Sannia Elzia, St. Paul; Special nephew Eric Fairley, Oakland CA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, loved ones and friends.