Martha Neal McQuinn of Ridgeland, died at home with family in the early hours of October 22, 2025, trusting in Jesus. Neal was born to William Charles and Martha Jane Moe McQuinn on July 13, 1950, the biggest baby in the nursery at Bethesda Naval Hospital, now known as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. She spent her first two years in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during her father’s active duty as a Navy doctor.
After returning to the US mainland, Neal lived in Glendora for seven years, where her father served the rural area as a general practitioner. After a year in Gulfport, she and her family settled in Jackson. Neal attended McWillie and McLeod Elementary Schools, Chastain Junior High School, Murrah High School, and Callaway High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from “The W” (Mississippi State College for Women), where she was a devoted member of Lockhearts and Blacklist.
After graduation, Neal worked in clinical labs in Jackson and Memphis. She then began working at The Heirloom Shop in Jackson and fell in love with needle arts. Over a few years she became manager and then sole proprietor of the business. She spent many years helping her customers with needlepoint, smocking, embroidery, appliqué, and French hand sewing. She later worked at Earle & Joseph and as a real estate agent for Larry Sanders Realty. During these years, Neal was also a member of the Junior League and the Broadmoor neighborhood association.
Named after her mother and maternal grandmother, Neal shared their grit, vivaciousness, and joie de vivre. She had her father's business acumen and work ethic. She loved to cheer on Ole Miss football and baseball teams and to vacation at Pensacola Beach each summer with her extended family, where she could outlast everyone in the sun. Her banana pudding was so good that the family would quickly polish off any leftovers directly out of the serving bowl. Having a keen sense of fashion, she accompanied her mother on quick trips to New York for some shopping. Neal did everything with an artistic flair, in excellent taste, and in her unique, festive style. She was known for her kindness and helpfulness—and an occasional bit of mischief. Neal's winning smile, deep dimples, and exuberance would light up a room. She was the life of the party and a friend to everyone. We miss her.
Neal was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Janie McQuinn of Jackson, and grandparents: Carrye Neal Herring Moe of Jackson; Gustav Edwin Moe of Rushford, Minn.; and Carl and Eula Pace McQuinn of Greenwood. She is survived by her siblings: Carrye McQuinn Allen (Rob) of Madison; Chuck McQuinn (Kay Crampton) of Seattle; and Liza McQuinn Joffrion (Mark Lester) of Nashville; by her nieces, nephews, and great-nephews: Jennifer Allen of Chattanooga; Michael Allen (Emily) of Oviedo, Fla.; Garland McQuinn (Alden Eagle) of Seattle; Jonathan Allen of Madison; Luke McQuinn (Pilar Martinez) of Seattle; Margaret Jane, Mary, and Sarah Joffrion of Nashville; Jackson and Will Allen of Oviedo, Fla.; and by a host of treasured friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff of The Blake at Township for their care over the last eight years and Heart of Hospice for their care at the end of Neal’s life.
A service will be held on December 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Cross, 674 Mannsdale Road, Madison. Visitation will precede the service at 11:00-12:30 p.m. at the home of Anne and Ronnie Johnson, 420 William Glen Ct., Madison, MS 39110. A light lunch will be served. Please note that the service time is earlier than originally planned because Neal would not want her service to overlap with the Ole Miss game. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area or Stewpot Community Services.
