Cortez Lydel Neal, 29, of Mt. Vernon died March 20, 2006, at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

He worked as chef for the past two years at Chili's restaurant in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Neal was born May 7, 1976, in Mt. Vernon, a son of Henry Eugene Neal and Theressa (Dunn).

He married Tonya (Toliver) Neal March 19, 1999, in Carbondale; she survives in Carbondale.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, with Henry Goodman officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Neal is survived by his wife, Tonya, of Carbondale; his mother, Theressa Davis and husband Lee of Mt. Vernon; his maternal grandmother, Ida Mae Dunn of Mt. Vernon; his paternal grandmother, Rosie Brooks of Carbondale; his paternal grandfather, Willie Neal of Coulp; five daughters, Sharmisha Neal, Alicia Bland, Tonetra Neal, Tanira Neal and Tezireia Neal; six brothers, Lee Davis Jr., Jimmie Davis, Jominique Davis, Enrico Neal, Lydel Neal and Antwon Brasfield; three sisters, Rochelle Dunn, Kechedelle Neal and Kishia Taylor and husband Nathaniel; and many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his grandfather, William Dunn; his step-grandfather, Joe Brooks; three uncles, Robert Dunn, John A. Johnson and Willie Lee Dunn; and a cousin, Ruby Fellows.

He had attended Mt. Vernon High School. For those who wish, memorials may be given to Newell Funeral Home and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Newell Funeral Home, 2707 North St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. For more information, you may call Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100 or visit on-line at www.newellfuneralhome.com for on-line obituary and on-line condolences.

Source: Register-News
Date: March 23, 2006
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman