Patricia "Patty" Lee Neal

On February 28, 1955, Patricia “Patty” Lee Neal was born at the Salem Clinic. On that day, our quiet little community changed for the better. Patty grew up in Salem, Arkansas with her parents, Charley and Irene Short. As the youngest of four children, she was constantly finding fun, and sometimes mischievous, adventures around town–including being crowned Little Miss Fulton County in 1960! Patty also loved working in Short’s Store for her dad where she honed her ability to talk to any soul that came across her path.

Upon graduating from Salem High School, Patty briefly left our town to attend school at the University of Arkansas to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in education. She started her career in Batesville as a kindergarten teacher while simultaneously earning her Master's in Elementary Special Education. She then returned to teach in the community she grew up in. At the age of 24, Patty and her friends built the beautiful house in Sturkie on the land where her father was born. Patty proudly taught for 37 years, with the majority of her tenure as a Salem elementary special education teacher. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless students, parents, and fellow teachers.

Patty’s greatest joy in life was being a mom to Joe, Emma and Jenny (and Grandma Awesome to Rayden and Lakynn). She devoted herself to attending each concert, sport game, school event, and professional accomplishment her children achieved. But as many know, Patty was a mom to anyone and everyone that needed a hug, shoulder to cry on, or a kind word of encouragement. Being a mom-to-all is what has made Patty famous in our town.

As a pillar in our community, Patty devoted herself to many philanthropic positions throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of the Salem United Methodist church, where she taught Sunday school, vacation Bible school, Bible study leader, youth group leader and a proud member of the choir. Patty also led the Old Main Heritage Foundation as their president for many years and volunteered at countless Salem community events. Most recently, she taught free crafting classes at her store Peaceful Easy Feeling in the old Short building. She was an ambassador of love and understanding and a true ally to underserved and overlooked communities.

Patty is preceded in death by her parents, Charley and Irene Short, the father of her children Jon Neal, and her nephew Chris Kerst. She is survived by her children: Joe, Emma, and Jenny (along with her bonus children Megan and Abs); her grandchildren Rayden and Lakynn; her siblings Sue and Roy Kerst, Nancy and Bob Root, and Jim and Becky Short; her dearest friend Fran Welch Mitchum; and many nieces and nephews, which she considered her children as well.

Known for her warm humor, generosity, kind heart, and words of wisdom, Patty fiercely loved all who came across her path. She always felt blessed for the love and support she received from her many friends from all different beliefs, backgrounds, and walks of life. Patty was known for telling everyone she loved them, which she truly did. When her granddaughter once asked Patty why she told everyone she loved them, Patty responded, “Say I love you to as many people as you can, ‘cause you never know what fate will throw at you.” Wise words for all of us to live by.

All are welcome to celebrate her life this coming Friday the 11th at the Salem United Methodist Church from 3-5PM with live music and potluck food. The celebration will continue out in Sturkie at Patty's house where she lived for 47 years. Swayzee'z Daisy'z will provide the flowers.

The family is kindly asking for folks to defer from sending flowers and instead donate to spaces close to her heart. Patty would love for you to donate in her name to the United Methodist Church in Salem, Old Main, or Arkansas ACLU.