Shirley Neal earns state honor

Our own Ms. Senior Warren County, Shirley Neal, was a contestant at the 2008 Ms. Tennessee Senior America Pageant held at Cumberland University in Lebanon on March 1.

She was awarded the Humanitarian and Community Service Award while at the event.

‘It was such an honor to receive the recognition, and the nice things they said about me were very special,’ said Neal.

In making the announcement, they said, ‘Mrs. Neal has given so much of herself to helping others through her hard work entertaining, volunteering to help seniors, and her mission trip, she receives both of these awards combined.’

The competition featured eight other contestants from across the state, with Neal’s sister Faye Davis also participating. Davis resides in Baxter, and was awarded second runner-up honors.

‘She should have won,’ said Neal. ‘She and I are very close, we even think alike. Even though it was a lot of work, we had a wonderful time.’

Neal earned her title at the June LuckyFest celebration, also receiving a first place in the talent division. At the state competition, for her talent she played the fiddle and sang ‘As The Deer.’

When asked if she would be interested in competing again, she said, with a laugh, ‘maybe!’ Her proud husband is Morris Neal.