Dovie Dell (Dailey) Neal

Dovie Dell Dailey Allen was born May 20, 1931, in Pendleton, Texas to Bolton M. Dailey, Sr. and Anna M. Whiting Dailey.

Dovie grew up in Pendleton, Texas. In 1936, the family moved to Temple, Texas. She attended Temple Public schools graduating from Dunbar High School in May 1951.

She was crowned “Miss Dunbar” in the 1949-1950 School Year and was a member of the Choral Club. At an early age, she joined Corinth Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend S. M. Harnsberry and remained a faithful member until she moved to Seattle, Washington to be close to her brother Vernon L. Dailey.

Dovie met and married Buford Neal, Sr. in Seattle, Washington and to this union one son was born, namely Buford Neal, Jr.

She later moved back to Temple, Texas, and married John Allen who preceded her in death. Dovie re-established membership with Corinth Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Director of Ushers and remained a faithful usher until her health failed.

During her high school years, she worked for Dunbar theater and later in life was an insurance agent for American National Insurance company.

Dovie departed this life on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, in a Temple hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers, and three sisters.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Buford Neal, Jr and wife of Seattle, WA; Curtis Collins (Joyce) of Temple, TX; one brother, L. C. Dailey (Irene) of Temple, TX ; two granddaughters, Jennifer and Kathryn of Seattle, WA; several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews and a host of other relative and friends.