Helen J. Neal

Helen Joan Jupiter Neal, affectionately known as “BeBe” by family and friends entered eternal rest on December 28, 2025. A devoted educator, mother, and faithful servant of Christ, Helen lived a life defined by service, faith, and an unwavering commitment to her children, family, and friends.

Born on October 29, 1946, to the late Alex and Elizabeth Jupiter, Helen was one of eight children and learned early the values of family, responsibility, and perseverance. She attended Florence Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Wilson High School - Class of 1965.

Helen continued her education at Benedict College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1969—laying the foundation for a lifelong calling in teaching. She devoted more than 30 years to education, touching countless lives with her patience, structure, no nonsense approach to teaching and a deep belief in every child’s potential.

Her teaching career began at Johnsonville Elementary in Johnsonville, SC. After returning to Florence, she began teaching 3K at Trinity Baptist Church Kindergarten, where she faithfully served from 1976 to 1988. From 1988 to 2000, Helen was employed by Florence School District Four in Timmonsville, South Carolina, teaching 4th through 8th grades at Brockington Elementary School and Johnson Middle School. She later continued her service with Florence School District One, teaching 5th and 6th grades at North Vista Elementary School from 2000 until her retirement in 2011.

Retirement did not end Helen’s dedication to students. She returned to North Vista Elementary as a part-time Life Reflections interventionist, continuing to serve until May 2025— demonstrating her enduring passion for education and student success.

Helen devoted her life to Christ at an early age at Trinity Baptist Church, where her faith was lived out through faithful service. Over the years, she was an active member of the Jubilee Choir, Lydia Missionary Circle, and a longtime member of the Nursery Ministry. Most recently, she enjoyed singing on the TBC Gospel Choir. She was also affectionately known for her role as the “head enforcer” at the children’s table during Church Anniversary celebrations—a responsibility she carried with love, humor, and unmistakable authority.

She was the proud mother of three children: Darren Micheal Neal, Angelia Yvonne Neal, and Sharon Denise Neal-Williams. She was an even prouder grandmother of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of joy and pride.

Helen was preceded in death by two siblings – Louise Jones and Mary Ruth Mack.

Left to cherish her memories are three children: Rev. Darren Neal (Rosalind) of Valdosta, GA; Angelia Williams; and Sharon Williams (Leon) all of Florence, SC; eight grandchildren – Courtney W. Clark (Freddie) of Charlotte, NC; Fredrica Cooper of Florence, SC; Kessiny Neal of Kennesaw, GA; Jocelyn Neal, Lauren Neal, Katelin Neal, Micheal Neal, and Ryan Neal, all of Valdosta, GA; four grandchildren- Braylen Clark of Charlotte, NC; Jaelyn Cooper of Florence, SC; Bella Clark and Brentlee Clark of Charlotte, NC.; her remaining siblings include – Eva B. Spears (George -deceased); Elizabeth Y. Scipio (Alonza-deceased); Micheal A. Jupiter (Vickie); Sammie Jupiter, all of Florence SC; and Carolyn Hinton (Tim) of Orangeburg, SC; a host of beloved nieces and nephews; and her beloved educator friend group, - Jean A. Zollicoffer, Sophia Davis, Dianne Herbert, and Barbara Robinson, affectionately known as the Golden Girls. 

“Ms. Neal” will be remembered for her servant’s heart, steadfast faith, and the generations of students and families she shaped through her life’s work. Her legacy lives on through her family, her church, her students, and all who were blessed to know her.

Family will receive friends from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM daily at 1713 Rutherford Dr., Florence.

Please keep the family of Helen Jupiter Neal in your thoughts and prayers.