Esther "Darleen" Neal

Esther "Darleen" Neal, age 75, of Flint formerly of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at home surrounded by family. Visitation will be held at 5pm - 8pm on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel in Swartz Creek. Visitation will resume the following day at 11am until the time of the Funeral Service at 12pm on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road in Swart Creek. Darleen will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Those wishing to write the family condolences may do so by visiting her obituary page found at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Darleen was born on December 24, 1950 in Flint, Michigan to the late Dale & Esther (Berg) Cain. She graduated from Flint Southwestern High School, class of 1969. She furthered her education by earning her bachelor's degree from Spring Arbor. Darleen married Carl "Art" Neal on May 8, 1971. Together theyshared many wonderful memories and raised 9 children. Darleen and Art proudly ministered as foster parents through Whaley Children's Center and lovingly adopted 6 of their sons. As a family, they spent summer breaks camping between Ohio and Michigan. When Darleen and Art relocated back to their Michigan roots 4 years ago, she joined St. Mary's Catholic Church in Swartz Creek. Faith was always important to Darleen as she always belonged to a church. In her early years she was first employed with Sunshine Foods as a manger where she mostly trained new colleagues; Darleen then worked at Walmart in Burton and most recent Hobby Lobby. Darleen enjoyed painting ceramics, needle point, and was an excellent baker. She will be greatly missed by her husband and children.

She is survived by her husband, Carl "Art" Neal; 9 children, Rachelle (Michael Jerke) Stack, CJ (Amanda) Neal, Josh Neal, Robert Neal, Roger Neal, Richard (Leslie) Neal, Brandon Neal, Daniel Neal and Stephanie (Jason) Guyer; 21 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Darleen is further survived by her two brothers, Vernon Cain and David Cain and many nieces and nephews.

Darleen was preceded in death by her grandparents, Frances (Nora) Cain; her parents Dale (Esther) Cain; brother, Michael Cain and grandson, Liam.