Megan Danielle Neal (2000-2022) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

Megan Danielle Neal, age 22, of Lafayette, Georgia passed away the night of November 7, 2022.

Megan was born on May 26, 2000 with a rare congenital heart disease. She had her first open heart surgery at just 5 days old. We learned what a fighter she would be then and even more so just a few days after her first surgery. Her heart stopped and a much sicker baby was rushed back to the operating room. She had her second and third surgeries before turning 3 years old. Going through her childhood years most people would never know because she never complained.

At age 10 Megan tragically suffered a traumatic brain injury where once again she was faced with a grim hope of survival. Megan showed up and showed out leaving her family, doctor’s, and therapists in complete awe of her resiliency as she relearned to walk, talk and regain essentially every other skill.

Megan was of the Christian faith and attended Lafayette Church of God of Prophecy. Megan was a graduate of Gordon Lee Memorial High School, Class of 2019. After graduation, she participated in Project SEARCH at Memorial Healthcare. She recently met with vocational rehabilitation, partnered with supported employment, to explore her options for working.

Megan lived her life to the fullest. Some of her favorite things included playing ball for the Miracle League of Chattanooga, spending time with her friends, watching WWE wrestling, swimming, going to the zoo, horseback riding, beating everyone in a game of UNO, singing at church, and singing along with her favorite artists whom she has met several times, Lauren Alaina and Damian McGinty. Megan was also quite the adventurer. She experienced boxing, rock climbing, hang gliding and indoor skydiving. Megan was fearless. There was nothing she left unaccomplished.

Megan loved her family and friends fiercely. Her journey allowed her to meet some incredible people that became lifelong friends. She never met a stranger and impacted the lives of everyone she met. She was sassy, witty, and honest. She made the world a better place and her legacy will live on with everyone that loved her.

Megan is preceded in death by her stepdad: Paul Smith, Papaw: Wayne Garrett, and stepsister: Paula Wilson. Megan is survived by her Mom: Renee Smith, Daddy and Stepmom: David (Amy) Neal, Siblings: Lindsey (Briar) Winston, Katie (David) Edwards, Scott Smith (Danielle Gruber), Lindsey Smith (Brandon O’Neal) Stepsiblings: Wayne (Crystal) Smith, Eddie Smith (Norma Perich), Tracie (Derek) West, Danielle Smith (Melissa Bythrow), Granny: Linda Garrett, Nana and Papa: Connie and Danny Brown, Papaw Neal: David (Sandy) Neal, Nanaboo: Betsy Meadows, Nan: Helen Morgan, Dodo: Dovie Golden, Aunts and Uncles: Ricky (Shannon) Garrett, Randy Garrett, Jason (Brandi) Oliver, Jackie Garrett, close family friend: Don Martin, extended family: Jacob Burnett, Alex McClure, many cousins, and countless friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday and prior to the service on Tuesday. The Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 in the chapel with officiants Jim Ellis and Loretta Walker. Eulogy given by Boz DelMundo. Graveside Services followed at Chickamauga Cemetery with pallbearers: James “Buddha” Risner, Coty Peardon, Boz DelMundo, Hallie Perry, John Schultz, and Paul Queen. In Megan’s honor, additional donations may be made to the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.armhc.org/donate. Arrangements by W. L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Homes - Chickamauga, Georgia.

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