Betty Ruth McNeal's Obituary
Betty Ruth Wiggins McNeal, a long-time resident of East Orange, NJ, passed away on July 3,
2025 after an illness. Betty was born in Franklin County, NC to the late Sallie Harris Wiggins
and Linwood Wiggins and was the third of eleven children, two girls and nine boys. Betty
enjoyed a life of 88 years during which she fed her spirit for knowledge and justice,
nurtured others, and loved her family wholeheartedly.
Betty earned her high school diploma from Spaulding High School in Nash County, NC. In
1960, she met and married Willie Frank McNeal and in 1962, the couple relocated from
Raleigh, NC to East Orange, NJ. Together they were blessed with one son, Derrick, who was
devoted to his mother and of whom she was immensely proud.
For several years Betty was employed at Clara Mass Medical Center (Newark, NJ) as a
dietary worker. In 1972 she became a paraprofessional with the East Orange School
System, where she worked for twenty four years. In 1991, Betty enrolled in Essex Country
College to continue her education graduating with an Associate of Science Degree in Early
Childhood Education. She then earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from New Jersey City
University after which she taught special needs students in the Newark Public Schools until
her retirement.
Betty was a broad-minded and assertive woman. She participated in the civil rights
movement and supported the Poor People’s Campaign, including traveling to Washington
DC in the Spring of 1968 to protest for economic justice and the end of the Vietnam War.
One of the highlights of her life was meeting Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Betty helped
organize the low wage workers at Clara Mass Hospital which was the first hospital in New
Jersey to recognize a union, Local 1199 Drugs and Hospital Union. She also served on the
negotiation team that sought to include paraprofessionals in the New Jersey Education
Association (NJEA) and later as a union representative.
Betty’s family attended Rocky Chapel Baptist Church in Franklin County, NC, and there she
gave her heart to the Lord. She was also a member of Bright Hope Baptist Church in
Montclair, NJ and served with the ushering ministry. She later joined Imani Baptist Church
in Christ of East Orange, NJ and was until her passing a faithful and contributing member
who held many leadership roles: Chairperson of the Trustee Ministry, Chairperson of
Wisdom’s Children, and Treasurer of the Women’s Ministry.
Betty was a kindhearted, cheerful, but frank, woman who enjoyed life. Her interests
included studying the Bible, gospel music, bingo, card games, and gardening. She played in
several bowling leagues over the years, and has been known to occasionally ride a bicycle.
Betty also enjoyed learning new information, listening to Derrick share his travels, joking
with her brother Linwood, and spending time with her grandchildren, other family, and
friends. For many years, she was joint caretaker of her brother Alco. She shared a special
closeness with her little sis, Patricia, though years and miles apart.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?