Dale René Parker Neil

The final chapter of the life of Dale René Parker Neil came to a close on May 29, 2024. In life, she was a fearless warrior, who chose to live every moment intentionally, leaving no adventure unexplored. Dale transitioned this life to her heavenly home after courageously battling significant health challenges. Dale graced the world with her vivacious, energetic presence when she was born on May 11, 1957, to the late Carrie Dale and Marvin Parker. The epitome of a “ride-or-die,” she was widely known as a fierce and unapologetic protector of her loved ones. Family was important to Dale, and she did not hesitate to defend them with sharp words or decisive force, when needed. Her love of family knew no bounds and she willingly offered assistance to those in need. Dale graduated from Paris High School, where she was an accomplished saxophonist. While there, the Paris High School Band earned the distinction of being one of two bands from the United States invited to attend the International Band Festival. This experience allowed her to travel to Vienna, Austria and Rome, Italy, and sparked a lifelong passion for world travel. Her travels spanned almost six decades and four continents, including countless cruises and trips to Nigeria and the Galapagos Islands. After graduating high school, Dale attended Kentucky State University, where she met her husband, Dennis Neil. They shared their lives for 46 years. Dale had four children: LeRon, Dennis, Roné and Kimberly (who preceded her in death), whom she loved unconditionally. Employed by the United States Postal Service for more than 30 years, Dale retired in 2023. Many of her former customers fondly remember her as one who provided stellar service and “greeted everyone with a smile.” Dale was a loyal and supportive friend who maintained long-term relationships with good friends, Sophonian Braddy and Myrna Damudt, Lamina Williams, Greta Hunter, and Sandra Coello. A woman of faith, Dale’s spiritual journey began at Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky. Though she was not always united with a specific church, she willingly shared her love of God and Christian faith with others. Occasionally, she attended church with her neighbors in Brooklyn. Dale happily marched to the beat of her own drum, eagerly embracing life by pursuing various interests. She was an avid stamp collector and well-known for her extensive African American Barbie doll collection. Dale was truly a “Top Chef” in the family and her delectable recipes for lasagna, steak, seafood, broccoli casserole and meatloaf are unmatched. She also enjoyed swimming (on the swim team at the YMCA), watching track and field, and attending family functions, where she was the life of the party. Whether she was commanding the room as a glamorous fashionista or tearing up the dance floor, you knew when Dale was present. Whenever she stepped out, she was flawlessly styled, complete with her signature hat or tiara. Dale was preceded in death by a host of special loved ones who welcomed her to her heavenly home, including her parents and grandmother, Lucy B. Patterson; brother, Marvin E. Parker; sister, Mary T. Fields; husband, Dennis Neil; daughter, Kimberly Neil, granddaughter, Evangeline LaDella Parker; maternal great aunt, Sallie B. Robinson; cousin/mother, Sadie Melson; special great nephew, Denzel L. Steward, and fur-baby, Serena. Dale is survived by her siblings, Darryl H. Parker and Cydney T. Parker; sister-in-love, Pat Boykin; children, LeRon M. Parker and partner, Laborah Edward; Dennis E. Parker and wife, Wafa Abdul-Saleem, and Roné C.D. Neil and partner, Joseph P. Jones; grandchildren, Markus Dale Parker; Bella LaSalle Parker, Dennis Parker, and Rayana Abdul-Saleem; great-grandchildren, Alissa Abdul-Saleem, Alani Woodbury and Ava Woodbury; other siblings, Gloria Coons, Cardelia and Gayle Parker; fur baby, Xena (Pretty Girl), and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends. Though she will be dearly missed, her legacy will live forever.

Dale René Parker Neil

May 11, 1957 - May 29, 2024