Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1775 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43223. Entombment: Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens

Charlene “Kay” Neale passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 77.  Kay will always be remembered for her quick wit, humor, support, and positive spirit.

She was born on June 11, 1948, in Columbus, Ohio to Charles and Myrta Cessor and she shared a loving relationship with her special mother, Mary Cessor.

From a young age, Kay showed a love for singing and won several awards and contests. She even had the chance to perform at the annual talent show at West High school which Doc. Severinson, pop and jazz trumpeter, attended. He invited Kay to perform in New York City.  She graduated from West High School and grew up with strong values that guided her throughout life. Kay also attended Franklin University.

At the age of 11, Kay joined and was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Rev. R. T. Gleaves and subsequently served under the pastorates of the late Rev. Dr. G. Thomas Turner, Sr. and Rev. Dr. Scottie L. Aaron.  She was a devoted member of the Young Adult Choir, Pastoral Choir, Woman’s Day Choir, PULSE (Woman’s) Ministry, and the Nurses Ministry.

In her career, Kay was known for working hard, helping others, and always being a good friend to coworkers. She was employed by General Motors, Columbus, Ohio in the Production Control Dept. and became a supervisor in the Engineering Dept. from where she retired after 30 years.  While working at GM, she became reacquainted with a friend from Mohawk Junior High School, James Neale. They were married in 1989 and celebrated 36 years of marriage this year.

Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Myrta Cessor, father and mother, Charles and Mary Cessor, and sister, Carolyn Stearns.

She leaves behind her spouse, James Neale; stepson, Jamie Neale; sister, Marcia (Charles) Brown; sister-in-law Richanetta Coulter; brother-in-law, Preston Stearns; nieces, Monica (Ron) Bess; Carla (Rev. Carlton) Edwards; nephews, Charles, Jr., (Kendra) Brown, John (Crystal) Stearns; great nieces, Malea & Rylee Bess, Cairo Brown, Amber Grigley, Camryn Stearns, Ashton (Jeremy) Thacker; great nephews, Kade Brown, John  Stearns, Jr.; great-great, nephews, Julian Thacker, Myles Thacker; a host of cousins, church family, and special friends, Kitty Butler, Mary Lou Eiland, Betty Howton and Shirley Nolan.

We will always remember her caring heart and the joy she brought to our lives. She will be missed but never forgotten.