Loretta (Gambrell) Neaves

LORETTA GAMBRELL NEAVES, age 83 of Calera, AL, passed away on April 19, 2025 at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, AL. Born on October 22, 1941, in Fairfield, AL, she was the beloved daughter of the late Cuba William Gambrell and the late Geneva Sue Edwards.

Loretta was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved cooking, quilting, sewing, and doing arts and crafts with her great-grandchildren, always bringing warmth and creativity into everything she did.

She was a woman of deep faith who loved her Lord Jesus Christ and was a longtime member of Lighthouse Church in Thorsby, Alabama. Her strong spiritual foundation guided her life and the love she shared with others.

Loretta dedicated over 45 years to her work as a security manager, earning the respect of her peers through her commitment and integrity. She also loved to travel, especially to the peaceful mountains of eastern Tennessee, a place she held dear.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will continue to shine in the lives of those she leaves behind.

She is survived by: Husband, James Neaves, Sr. of Calera; Daughter, Geneva Hollis of Calera; Daughter, Patricia N. (Brian) Poole of Calera; Daughter, Janet (Randy) Hagerla of Columbiana; Son, Jeffrey Neaves of Fairbanks, AK; Son, Danny (Laura) Neaves of Thorsby; 4 Grandchildren; 11 Great Grandchildren; 4 Great-Great Grandchildren; Brother, Donnie (Sherry) Gambrell of Gadsden; and Sister, Saundra (Jerry) Brown of Quinton.

She is preceded in death by: Son, James Neaves, Jr.; Grandson, Jimmy Allen Simmons, Jr.; Parents, Cuba and Geneva Gambrell; and Brother, Ronald Ware Gambrell.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00pm from the Lighthouse Church in Thorsby, AL with Rev. Travis Bussey officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

A private inurnment will be held in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL.

The family request in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the Lighthouse Church.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com