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Virginia Anne Evans Neal, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. Born on May 4, 1946, in Seneca, SC, Virginia Anne was a beloved daughter of Lt. Col. James G. Evans and Virginia Williams Evans, along with her sisters, Janet and Jamie. Virginia Anne attended schools in the US, as well as Germany and Japan, which she often recalled fondly. She attended Mercer University, in Macon, GA, majoring in Sociology. Virginia Anne was a member of the Phi Mu sorority where she made lifelong friends. After college, Virginia Anne worked for the American Red Cross in Atlanta, GA, a start to a lifetime career of helping those in need. She married James E. “Jimmy” Clark in 1969. They lived in Atlanta, GA and Surfside Beach, SC and were proud parents to three daughters: Amy, Katie, and Grace. Virginia Anne resumed her career of helping others in Gastonia, NC, for the Gaston County Department of Social Services, specializing in foster care, licensing foster homes and adoption. Continuing in this field of service, she transitioned to the State of North Carolina to train social workers throughout the state until her retirement in 2004. Also in 2004, Virginia Anne married her high school sweetheart, Dick Neal, in New Orleans, LA. Eventually relocating to Surfside Beach, SC, Virginia Anne and Dick enjoyed traveling, family, and spending time together. Virginia Anne is remembered as a fun loving mom, grand-mom, friend and sister, who prioritized having fun and enjoying moments - at the beach, in a park, baking, dancing to all kinds of music, hosting get togethers, large and small. She had an infectious smile and loved to laugh. Virginia Anne is preceded in death by her beloved parents Lt. Col. James Grady Evans and Virginia Williams Evans, her loving husband Dick Neal, and niece Kelly Elizabeth Tippett. She is survived by her daughters Amy (Chris) Shaffer, Katie Clark-Perron, and Grace Clark; grandchildren Charlie Shaffer, William (Andrea) Shaffer, Isla Perron, Lily Perron, and Rowen Perron; her cherished sisters and their husbands, Janet and Roger Tippett and Jamie and Jim Nimmo; and nephews Mitch Tippett, Matt (Susie) Tippett, Greg Tippett, and Harrison Tippett. The family would like to thank the staff at The Myrtle Beach Manor and Patriot Hospice for the care and support shown to Virginia Anne and our family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Goldfinch Funeral Home Beach Chapel, Murrells Inlet, SC, at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, https://events.alz.org/s/9195/8725, in Virginia Anne’s memory.

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Virginia Anne Evans Neal

May 4, 1946 - April 22, 2026