Debbie Renay Neal Lockhart was born on December 26, 1958, in Los Angeles, California.

She was entrusted by God to Charles and Ann Neal and shortly after her birth they moved to Texas, where she decided to build her life.

Debbie was educated in the Dallas Public School System and graduated from David W. Carter High School.  She then attended Dallas Baptist University receiving her Associates Degree.

Debbie Neal met the love of her life, Tony Earl Lockhart, in 1982. On Thursday, March 7, 1985 the two became one at New Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. With her family she began her Christian journey at Concord Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Later, she became a member of New Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Garland, Texas, where she sang in the choir, and participated in mission groups.  After moving to Austin, Texas, she became a member of Mt. Siani Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir for many years, volunteered in the church daycare, and was very active in the youth department. Upon moving back to Dallas, she rejoined New Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on the Pastor's Aide Committee, and Mission Team.

Debbie was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a grandmother affectionately known as MiMi, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. She was also known as having a knack for cooking. All of her family and friends enjoyed her fried catfish, hot water cornbread, and her famous "Sock it to Me" cake.

She loved her family and all of her grandchildren. Debbie never met a stranger, and would strike up a conversation with anyone, about anything. Before the conversation was over, she would always ask you two questions: "Are you saved?" and "Do you travel? In her spare time Debbie enjoyed traveling, singing, good food, and great conversation.

Legacy

Debbie leaves to cherish her memory, her four loving children: Algerise Neal-Washington (Joshua Washington), Angela Neal-Lockhart, Jerimi Neal-Lockhart, and Derimi Neal-Lockhart; and 11 Grandchildren: Amorrie Washington, Sevon Crayton, Omarious Lockhart, Kameron Lockhart, Joshua D. Washington, Janiyah Lockhart, Jerminnie Lockhart, Brooklynn Lockhart, Dimere Lockhart, Jayvon Washington, and Zion Lockhart.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony Lockhart, parents Charles and Ann Neal, Walter Willis, Sr., and a host of siblings, family, and friends that loved her dearly.