VALETA FRANCES (MCNEAL) BAYNES

Our dearest Valeta Frances McNeal was born on May 3, 1951 to Charles and Sirlilars McNeal.  She spent her formative years in Gary, Indiana where she graduated from Tolleson High School in 1969.  Thereafter, she furthered her education at Indiana University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business.  A true advocate of education, she earned two additional Master’s degrees in Business Management and Business Finance. 

She based her life on a spiritual foundation of love of God and Christ.  Generous to a fault, Valeta was a loving and giving person who had an infectious sense of humor.  She brought joy to all that crossed her path.  Valeta was highly educated, yet humble in her presentation.  She taught her family  assertiveness without aggression.  She lived in a way that showed that kindness was not a weakness.

Valeta’s undying love for her family and friends was evident in the many hugs and kisses that she loved to give.  Her smile and laugh were contagious; they really just melted your heart.  She was    serious about protecting the honor of her family and friends.

Valeta raised four daughters to become responsible, God-fearing women who passed on her teachings to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a fantastic cook who lovingly shared her recipes selflessly with her family.

Valeta was an accomplished writer and poet.  She penned many poems such as “To The Top”, which was published in The Golden Treasure of Great Poems, and “A Reflection of What Might Have Been”, which was always published.

After relocating to Houston, Texas, Valeta began her career with Continental Airlines (now United Airlines).  She continued her career in the travel industry working at American Express before moving over to Carlson Wagonlit (CWT) Travel, where she gained the respect and admiration of her fellow employees and managers.  Many at CWT expressed how much her warm and loving heart touched their lives.

With a family history of hard workers, Valeta was always an advocate for and encouraged education and being a diligent and industrious worker.  Her legacy has definitely made this world a better place.

Valeta Frances Baynes fell asleep in death on April 23, 2025.  She was preceded in death by her  parents, brother (Lorne Maurice McNeal, Sr.) and two great-grandchildren.  Left to honor her life and cherish her memory are four daughters: Rhonetta Yvette Owens, Valeta Renee Herndon (Hugh), Tiwana Marie Morris and Jennell Ray Palmer (Gaylon Charles, Sr.); grandchildren: Madison Marie and Stephen Lamon Owens, Jr., DeAndre De’Jon and Dominique Dontrel Morris, Makayla Shrae, Brianna Renee and Gaylor Charles Palmer, Jr., Dylan Charles and Sydnei Simone Herndon; great-grandchildren: Jayven Williams, Au’Brea Linson, Javaeh Williams, Amir Jasai Morris; one brother, Charles D. McNeal; one sister, Charla Hurt (Joel); nephews: Charles D. McNeal, III, Joel Hurt, III (Kristen), Joshua C. Hurt, Lorne M. McNeal (Walzette); one niece, Shakeela Hurt Lincoln; aunts, Leatrix Lamberson of Houston, Texas, Farris Powell of Alvin, Texas, Adella Buchanan of Long Beach, California, and a host of cousins, other family members and friends beyond measure.

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