“Tina” Taki Enomoto Neal

On Thursday, February 4, 2021, “Tina” Taki Enomoto Neal, loving wife and mother of two children, passed away at age 91. Tina was born and raised in a small farming community outside of Tokyo, Japan on October 10, 1929, to the late Unokichi and Nami Nojima Enomoto. As a young adult, she took English classes and trade courses, such as sewing/stitching/embroidery, culinary arts, and floral design. While working “on base” in the early 50’s, Tina met Herbert, an Air Force serviceman, to whom she later became engaged and married. Moving to the U.S., Tina and family lived in Arizona, Texas, and Virginia with the Air Force, later retiring to their North Carolina home. The primary focus of Tina’s energy was to provide support for her husband and raise two sons in a healthy and productive manner – all that knew Tina and her beautiful smile quickly recognized that family was her first priority. “Grandma” dearly loved her grandchildren, showering them with endless adoration and support along with many handmade outfits. Tina’s kindness also touched extended family and friends, often in the form of a delicious meal, handmade craft, or garment. Tina was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Calvin Neal; sister, Fuji Enomoto; and very close friend/sister in spirit, Akemi Smith. She is survived by her sons, Jimmy Neal and wife, Sherry and Bobby Neal and wife, Sharon; grandchildren, Kristopher Neal, Justin Neal and wife, Cathleen, Lauren Neal, and Colin Neal and wife, Aleksandra; great grandchildren, Ayana and Owen; 3 sisters, still living in her home country of Japan. The family would like to thank Lawndale Manor for their loving care of Tina in her final years. Tina will be inurned with her husband at New Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will be holding a private celebration of her life at a later date