Joyce "Judy" Neas

Judy Neas was born near Conway, Missouri on May 20, 1931, and left this life May 1, 2026. She was the daughter of Benton and Nola Gann, and a part of a family of 4 sisters and 1 brother, none of which survive. Visitation with family present will be held Thursday, May 7, from 5:30-7:30 pm, at Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S. Broadway. Celebration of Life Service, 10:30 am, Friday, May 8, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1415 S. Topeka.

She was married to Edward Neas of Conway, Missouri on March 2, 1950. To this union were born 3 children, Deidra Neas Thomas (Tom), Brent Neas (Robin), and Mark Neas (Lisa). All the grandchildren were born after Ed's retirement from Boeing in 1983. They are Trey (Savannah) Thomas, Travis (Ashley) Thomas, Brian (ReiEllen) Neas, Rebecca Neas, Melissa Neas Macy (Daniel), Kristi Neas Raehpour (Michael), and David (Ticie) Neas. Great grandchildren are Tyberius and Evelyn Macy, and Madelyn Thomas. 

Ed and Judy had the joy of doing much of the babysitting over a period of 14 years, sharing that blessing with three other sets of grandparents; the Clarks, the Thomas's and the Prouses'. 

Judy's greatest passions in life were children, gardening, and music. When her children were in Elementary School she tutored children in their school, also working in the library. She taught 1st grade Sunday School at Immanuel Baptist Church for many years, returning to the ladies class for emotional support after Ed's death in 1996. She returned to teaching when her two youngest grandchildren were in nursery, and taught 3 and 4 year olds for ten years. She was a part of a choir for most of her life. 

After the grandchildren were in school, she began her volunteer work with Botanica. She helped with the planting, the butterfly house, and the many different facets that make up the gardens. 

As Secretary\Treasurer of her community Association she was part of the group who began the community garden known as The Garden of Eat'n. Besides gardening her plots, she began adding and tending shrubs and flowers around the perimeter of the garden. The roses and boxwood in front of the church are her handiwork also. 

As a young woman, Judy thought she would like to be a Missionary. When she and Ed married and moved to Wichita to work for Boeing, she felt this must be her mission field. When Boeing moved Ed around from place to place, there was always a place in each church where she was able to teach children. In fact, the first class she and Ed were asked to teach at Immanuel was a group of 12 year olds in Training Union. This class included one of our faithful secretaries, Rosann Hardgrave. When they were sent to Merced, California, the pastor visited them the first Sunday afternoon. And what was needed there? Teachers for 12 year olds Training Union. 

From there they were sent to Fort Worth, Texas where she taught 12 year old girls in Sunday School. After 3 1\2 years it was on to Shreveport, Louisiana where after 11 years of marriage, their first child, Deidra, was born. Soon after, Boeing called Ed back to Wichita. But when Deidra was in kindergarten, it was off to Seattle for the summer, this time with 3 youngsters in tow. Judy's work there was Vacation Bible School. 

In her later years, Judy enjoyed being back with the J O Y adult ladies life group and helping with the monthly mission projects. She also loved taking her turn in the Family Life Center which she referred to as her time relax and socialize. 

Two of her favorite Bible verses were 1 John 4:16 - For we have known and believed the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him. And 1 John 4:7 - Beloved let us love one another, for love is of God. If you knew Judy, you were and are LOVED!