Sybil Neal

Sybil Ruth White Neal passed away on July 14, 2021. She was the oldest daughter of the late Julian Adams White and Mozelle Horton White of Durham, NC. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ralph John Neal, in 2015 and her sister, Julia White Rigsbee, in 2020.
Sybil was quite accomplished, and her thirst for knowledge remained with her for her entire life. Following her graduation from Durham High School as salutatorian of the class of 1947, she went on to work for Central Carolina Bank.
After marrying Ralph and starting a family, Sybil began her studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She successfully juggled her family and her studies and graduated cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro after her family’s relocation from Durham.
Teaching was one of Sybil’s passions, and she taught at the collegiate level until she and Ralph relocated back to Durham after his retirement. She often reminisced about those days and how much she would love to contribute once again to the world of academia.
Even when she could no longer travel, Sybil expressed the desire to explore and visit new countries. She and Ralph visited many European countries with their children. She never stopped wanting to experience new places and cultures.
She especially loved the mountains, and for a few years, she and her family enjoyed a mountain cabin in Ashe county.
For many years Sybil was an active and contributing member of the Croasdaile Country Club Garden Club and Temple Baptist Church.
She is survived by her children, Susan N Owens, of Mebane, NC and Clinton W Neal (Teresa), of Eden, NC, her much devoted and beloved grandson Harlan Owens and granddaughter Sofie Gibson-Neal. She is also survived by her adored niece, Teresa R Rickard, of Sanford, NC and by other special nieces and nephews.
The hospice nurses, volunteers, and personnel who made Sybil’s last few weeks peaceful and compassionate were truly exemplary. We are extremely grateful for the care they gave to her.
We are so glad that she and Ralph will be reunited in heaven. She missed him so, and we hope they find eternal peace together.
A graveside service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Deitra Arrington of Temple Baptist Church. Visitation will follow after the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.