Nealia Frances Morton passed from this realm on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, at the age of 92. Nealia was born near Smackover, Ark., and was raised in Hope, Ark., by her beloved great aunts, Hazel and Bea Abram. Without the love and care shown to her by these women, along with help from their sisters, Genevieve Hood, Mildred Pursina, and Ruby Russell, Nealia’s life would have been completely different. Her Great Aunt Bea instilled a love of God in her, and Nealia found solace in the church throughout her life. She was Christian in the truest sense of the word, daily, quietly living her beliefs.
Nealia married her one, true love, William J. (Bill) Morton in Hope, in 1948, and they remained married until his death in 2003. Bill was a Kroger Store manager during the decade of the 1950s and early 1960s. His expertise in his field was much in demand, so the family moved multiple times in those years. Nealia became proficient at setting up households in record time. She considered it a challenge and made it a game for her children. She often laughingly quoted the Biblical Ruth, “whither thou goest, I will go; and whither thou lodgest I will lodge.” She was the perfect companion for the demands of her husband’s job.
Nealia was a gifted pianist, performing in public from age 12 until near her death. She was also an avid reader and long-time supporter of the Crawford County Library System and its director, Eva White. Nealia passed her love of music and words along to her family, enriching their lives and creating the same appreciation in her children. Later in her life, Nealia owned several, successful small businesses. Her life was full, diverse and never boring.
Nealia is survived by two children, Julie Morton and Joe Morton of Crawford County, Ark. She is also survived by great-nieces and -nephews in Hope, Ark., and in Texas.
A private service will be held at Holly Grove Cemetery, Hempstead County, Ark., at a later date. Local arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the Crawford County Library Foundation, 1409 Main Street, Van Buren, AR 72956.
Nealia always cherished the thought of God the Father, and now she may rest in his loving arms forever.
To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.
