Betty Ruth Neal

Betty Ruth Neal, affectionately known throughout her community as “Miss Betty,” passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Spring Garden, Alabama, Betty was the beloved daughter of Woodrow Kelley Sr. and Christella Teague Kelley. She spent her childhood in Richmond, Indiana, where she attended grade school and later graduated from Richmond High School. It was there that she met her late husband, Charles Lawrence Neal. Together, they welcomed two children, Michealle Renee and Charles “Charlie” Jr. The young family later moved to New Jersey at Charles’s request while he was stationed there through his military service.

Miss Betty built an extensive and dedicated work history. She worked for New Jersey Bell Telephone Company in Newark, New Jersey, for ten years before deciding to pursue higher education. Determined and hardworking, she enrolled at Essex County College in Newark, where she studied medical technology and proudly graduated as a Certified Medical Assistant.

She began her medical career at Cranford Hall Nursing Home, where her compassion and strong work ethic earned her the respect of staff and residents alike. She later joined the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, where she continued caring for patients with kindness and dignity. It was during this time that she first began to experience the illnesses she would bravely battle in the years that followed. 

A longtime resident of Linden, New Jersey, Miss Betty made her home here for more than 30 years, touching the lives of neighbors and friends with her kindness, conversation, and unmistakable personality.

Miss Betty was known for her gift of gab and her outspoken, yet generous heart. She loved socializing with those around her, and she had a natural ability to make people feel seen and heard. She was an avid follower of politics, and she could always hold a lively conversation about current events. 

In her leisure time, she enjoyed cooking and discovering new recipes online, tending to her flowers, and especially planting rare and fragrant blooms—lavender being her favorite. Miss Betty’s garden reflected the same care and beauty she brought into the lives of those she loved.  She was forever in the quest to “hit it BIG!”.  She had a special knack for playing the New Jersey Lottery, when she felt well and lucky, another reflection of her vibrant spirit.  However, everyone knew that the scratch offs were definitely not for Miss Betty - she liked to take her chances on the selection and the drawing of the numbers.

Throughout the years, Miss Betty was always surrounded by the love of her family; she treasured them above all else. She delighted in sharing wisdom and advice with her grandchildren, Robby and Madison, who cherished the time they spent with her—even when her lessons came with tough love.

In addition to her parents, Miss Betty was predeceased by her son, Charles Neal, Jr., her two sisters, Margaret Washington and Shelby Rayford and her brother, Woodrow Kelley, Jr.. 

Miss Betty is survived by her daughter, Michealle Neal-Aleman and her husband, Roberto Aleman; her two grandchildren, Roberto “Robby” Aleman, Jr. and Madison Aleman; her three sisters, Ora Jean Lawrence, Carolyn Joyce Holmes and her husband, Floyd and Mary Frances Kelley; her brother, Thomas Alvin Kelley and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

Miss Betty will be remembered for her warmth, humor, and her genuine love of people. Her presence in the community will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness and spirited conversation will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

In accordance with Miss Betty’s wishes, all her funeral services will be private.

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