Joan Byrd Neill passed away November 2nd, 2026 at the age of 84, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Dr. Jimmy D. Neill, father, Alvin J. Byrd, her mother, Sarah Hassey Byrd, her sisters Jean Byrd Irvin, Myrle Byrd Holloway, Daphna Byrd Holloway, Sue Byrd Jones, and her brothers Jerry Don Byrd and Teddy Urban Byrd.

She leaves behind a son, T. Garrett Neill (Sharon), a daughter, Phyllis Neill Rush (Pam), a granddaughter, Emily Portera-Neill (Leanne), a grandson, Patrick Neill (Daphne), and a great-grand daughter, Carson Portera-Neill.

Joan Neill, a devoted wife, stay-at-home mom, and beloved Mimi, never met a stranger. She had an uncanny ability to draw out even the shyest person, and at parties, she would always talk to the person alone in the corner. She wanted everyone to feel that they fit in and "belonged." She had a wicked sense of humor, and she always had a smile on her face. She spoke to strangers wherever she went, whether it was to give a compliment, or strike up a conversation with someone she met in line at a store.

She loved her family fiercely and was always, always there for them.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 6th, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 12pm and end at 1pm with service starting at 1pm.