Awilda Gilliam Neal, 72, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away on March 6, 2023, at Novant Medical Center. Awilda was born on January 9, 1951 to Clarence Tinsley Gilliam and Nonnie Kellam Gilliam in Winston-Salem. After Awilda graduated from Bishop McGuinness High School in 1969. She went on to study French and German at Wake Forest University, graduating in 1973.

After graduation, she began her career with the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System where she was a dedicated teacher until her retirement in 2014. Awilda loved teaching and students at East Forsyth, Carver 9 & 10, and Forest Park Elementary were beneficiaries. In 2020, Awilda was recognized, by her alma mater, as one of the first African American women to integrate the dorms of Wake Forest University. Awilda was a lifelong member of New Bethel Baptist Church.

Awilda was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Wilbur Gilliam; and two sons, Cameron and Clifford Neal.

She leaves behind, to cherish and hold forever close in their hearts, her husband of 50 years, Robert Neal and daughter, Krista Neal of the home; special niece, Nonnie (Sylvester) Jackson of Rural Hall, NC; nephew, Keith (Mimi) Gilliam of Antioch, CA; great nieces and nephews, Jillian Jackson, Miles Gilliam, Weston Gilliam, and Gabriella Gilliam; five sisters-in-law, Sarah Williams of Clarkton, NC, Nancy (Ralph) Whitt of Reidsville, NC, Margaretta (Percy) Henderson of Reidsville, NC, Penny (Jackie) Simpson of Elon College, NC, and Martha Tucker of Reidsville, NC. Also left to cherish her memory are her special friends, Willardean Dula, Mutter Evans, Beth Hopkins, along with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews as well as a bonus daughter, Rebecca Flanagan, and grandson Jamie.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at New Bethel Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Pinnacle, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church.