Jill Smothers Neal Strader

Jill Smothers Neal Strader, 94, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at her home. Join us in celebrating Mom’s life at her homegoing service, which will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Liberty Wesleyan Church in Summerfield, NC. Her pastors, Rev. Danny Janes and Rev David Surrett will officiate. The family will receive friends after the service in the Family Life Center.

A native of Rockingham County, Mom was born on September 1, 1930, to the late Birch and Ollie Ione Neal. Mom loved attending Bethany School and would often go home and spend the night with her teachers. She enjoyed drama, cheers, and was secretary of the senior class of 1948. Mom was well known, respected, and loved throughout the Summerfield and Stokesdale communities and had been an embodiment of love and service to her friends, neighbors, and acquaintances for many years. She had baked thousands of egg custard pies and taken them to shut-ins and friends. She enjoyed making phone calls to wish her friends and family a happy birthday, or just to encourage them.

Mom saw life as a "Blessing from God," and everything she did and every word she spoke was "seasoned with love." Some referred to her as an "angel on earth." To us, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, we were so blessed to call her “our mother” and “Nana.” Her priority in life was serving her Lord and caring for her “precious” family and friends. She was a faithful member of Liberty Wesleyan Church and served in many capacities for over 50 years.

In addition to her parents, Mom was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Paul Hooper "P. H." Strader, Jr. On June 13, 1948, she married P. H. and their love affair of 65 years began. Because these two people fell in love, God blessed them with five children.

Her son Thomas Paul Strader and his wife, Belle, of Summerfield, NC. Their family includes Mom’s grandchildren Challey Strader, David Strader and his wife, Sara, Raines Strader, and Grace Strader; great-grandchildren Margaret Strader, Clara Strader, and Wyatt Strader.

Her son John Smothers Strader and his wife, Wawa, also of Summerfield. Their family includes Mom’s grandchildren Nathaniel Strader (pre-deceased), Jonathan Strader, and Joanna Strader Brewer; great-grandchildren Coyote Strader and Parker Brewer.

Her daughter Mrs. Susan J'Neal Strader Shelton and her husband, Powell, of Stokesdale. Their family includes Mom’s grandchildren Dusty Long and his wife, Abbey, Devin Long and his wife, Hannah, and Summer Elliott and her husband, Jay; great-grandchildren Landen Long, Logan Long, Brett Long, Valley Long, Case Long, Zachary Elliott, and Peyton Elliott.

Her daughter Ollie Ann Strader Moore and her husband, Monte, of Summerfield. Their family includes Mom’s grandchildren Gabriel Moore, Joseph Moore and his wife, Ashley, Michael Moore, Daniel Moore, and great-grandchildren Bronwyn Moore, Hudson Moore, Emary Ann Moore, Leighton Moore and Ryder Moore.

Mom was also the loving mother of infant daughter Clara Joy Strader, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Sybil Neal Gardner and Robert Jack Neal, and is survived by her sisters Barbara Neal Price and Judy Neal. She also leaves behind a “special son,” Dennis Long, who held a unique place in her heart.

Special thanks to Caroline Dalton and Lela Hunt; also, the entire staff at Ancora Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice) for their exceptional compassion, support, and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Liberty Wesleyan Church, 15303 US Highway 158, Summerfield, NC 27358.