Jeffrey Glenn Neal, 62, was born on November 25, 1960, in Akron, Oh to Willie James Blackwell and Brenda Neal Lewis.  He went home to be with the Lord on March 17, 2023.  He graduated from South High School and worked as a chef at several Akron area restaurants.

Jeffrey, also known as “Jeff,” “Jake,” and “Jay,” loved 70’s music, weight-lifting, and sports, especially football, and was a star on the field for South Rangers Pee Wees and South High School, where he received numerous accolades and awards.  He was one of the most popular students in the Class of 79 and voted the prettiest smile.  Jay’s smile would light up any room he walked in.  He was a fierce protector.  He was loyal but no-nonsense.  He had a “won’t stop” attitude yet a deep concern for those he loved.

Whether you knew him as Jeff, Jake, or Jay (because no one called him Jeffrey), you knew he didn’t play!  But if you asked him how he was doing, he would say, “I’m blessed”.  Jay had a grateful and pure heart.  He started and ended each day with prayer and thanked God for all of his many blessings.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, James and Lucy Kate Blackwell, William and Hattie Neal and Frank and Mary Lewis.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughter, Veronica (Yusuf) Oludunjoye; grandchildren, Amore’, Khalil, Zoe, and Harmonie.  Step-father, Joe L. Lewis; siblings, Marc (Shanaray) Neal, Eric (Ilene) Lewis, Marletta Lewis, Melanie Lewis, and Joe A. Lewis; special uncle, Curtis Neal; uncles, Gregory (Towana) Williamson and Howard (Charlotte) Lewis;  Special son, Darnell Pryor; special cousin, Frank Nicholson, Jr.; and special friend, Mary Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.