Betty Harp Neal, 97, died March 14, 2025, of Alzheimer’s Disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Clarence Harp. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Terry Neal Sorenson and George R. Sorenson of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Born Sept. 1, 1927, in Hagerstown, MD, she was a native of York and Glenrock, PA. and a lifetime resident of Newport News. She graduated from Newport News High School in 1945 and the College of Hampton Roads in 1946.
During her working years, she was a ballroom dance instructor at the Doug High Dance Studio, District Manager for Avon, sales representative for the Dale and Dorothy Carnegie Courses, Brown and Bigelow, Main Street Party Station, Abbitt Realty, and Thomas Advertising. Additionally, she was the office secretary at Citizens Marine Jefferson Bank, Trinity Lutheran Church, Hilton Presbyterian Church, and Manpower.
In later years, she was an active participant in senior church groups at Liberty and First Baptist, Faith and Hilton Presbyterian, and The Happy Wanderers that met at Immaculate Conception. Betty delighted in singing with the Heart Throbs (Liberty), the Singing Swingers (First Baptist), and during her many years as a member, the Trinity Lutheran Church choir.
Recognizing a community need, she became one of the main organizers of the local Parents Without Partners for widowed and divorced people. Also, she founded the Trinity Singles, which was available to all denominations. From that endeavor, she assisted in organizing the Peninsula Christian Singles at Liberty Baptist.
Many hours were given in volunteer work tutoring children, modeling with Fashions Elegante’/Fun Fasions and singing for senior groups and nursing homes. She also worked with a group of the betterment of nursing home conditions.
Betty moved to Kenosha in her late 80’s to be closer to her daughter.
She was a Christian and had a generous spirit in promoting the Lord’s work.
The family would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful caregivers in Memory Care West of Primrose Retirement Community for the love, patience, and care given to Betty during her years of residence. Also, deep gratitude to St. Croix Hospice for their invaluable help. All of you are God’s Hand’s here on earth.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. (CDT) on April 13, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Kenosha, WI with the Rev. Cynthia Aasen officiating. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorial Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association. 225 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601 or go to alz.org.
Betty wanted all her friends to know how much she appreciated the support and kindness shown by them during her lifetime. “I gave myself a gift when I made friends with you.”
