Mrs. Josie McNeil

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at the day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” 2 Timothy 4: 6-8 Deaconess Josie Lawrence McNeil, was born July 18, 1949, to the late Willie James Lawrence and Josephine Braswell Lawrence in Martin County. God called her home while surrounded by her loved ones on Sunday August 9, 2026 at 6:38 PM She attended school in Martin County and later furthered her education at North Carolina Central University. She was employed and retired from Pitt Memorial Hospital as a dietary supervisor for 28 years of service. On December 23, 1972, she was united in Holy Matrimony with her true love, Reverend Ronald McNeil Sr. for forty-four years, from which they had six children. At a young age, Deaconess McNeil joined Gold Point Church. She served as a First Lady at Bell’s Chapel Church, then later in the years she became a faithful member and deaconess of Tabernacle M.B. Church now New Mercies Tabernacle M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Carnell Burney. Deaconess Josie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rev. Ronald McNeil Sr.; her siblings, Willie James Lawrence Jr. and Frank Lawrence. Deaconess Josie leaves to cherish the memories of her life, with six children, LaShawn Savage (Christoper), Angela McNeil both of Greenville, NC, EuRhonda McNeil of Richmond Hill, GA, Yolanda McNeil, Ronald McNeil (Lakeisha), and Brandon McNeil (Carin) all of Greenville, NC; fifteen grandchildren, Marquis, Joshua (Tara), Kevin (Ja’Leesa), Alexis, Christopher, Emontre, Ger’Rhonda, Ricky, Curtis, Courtney, Kaylena, A’kira, Karh’ri, A’nayla, and Bryce; one adopted grandson, Carnell “CJ”; twenty-five great-grandchildren; siblings, Horrance Lawrence of Brooklyn, NY, Julia Dugger of Jonesboro, GA, James Earl Lawrence of Greenville, NC, and Francis Pate of Bainbridge, GA; six sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; three godsons, Curtis Turnage, Shelton Battle, Michael Powell; one goddaughter, Earlene House; her adoring and loving pet, Charlie McNeil; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends “I Am Free-Praise The Lord I’m Free-No Longer Bound, No More Chains Holding Me- My Soul Is Resting, It’s Just A Blessing- Praise The Lord Hallelujah, I’m Free!

Mrs. Josie McNeil

July 18, 1949 - August 9, 2026