Lorie A. (Falls) Neal

Devoted mother. Beloved fiancée. Loyal friend. Admired colleague.

There are no words to adequately express the deep loss felt by many at the unexpected passing of Lorie (Falls) Neal, 40, Gallipolis on September 25, 2013. As a devoted mother, fiancée, daughter and aunt, family was at the center of Lorie's world. Whether it be in a classroom party, on the sidelines of an athletic event or on a family vacation, Lorie's devotion to those she held most dear was always at the forefront of everything she did in life. Lorie was a loyal friend, always there and ready to lend an ear or deliver advice on any given situation. She was the type of friend that gave much and asked for little. Her infectious smile and warm personality had a way of lighting up any room. She left an impression on all she met, no matter how short their meeting.

For the past 12 years, Lorie worked tirelessly to better Gallia County and Gallipolis as Executive Director of the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce. Her devotion to the Chamber was unparalleled; her dedication unequaled. She was a staunch supporter of Gallia County business and the community. Each year, her unwavering dedication was the heartbeat of the Annual River Recreation Festival as she worked to bring downtown Gallipolis to life for the Fourth of July.

In 2010, Lorie proudly received her IOM accreditation from the Institute for Organization Management. She also served on the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission board and on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio. She was a beloved colleague to all who worked with and for her.

Lorie graduated from Eastern High School in 1991. She attended the University of Rio Grande, from which she graduated with a bachelor's degree in English in 1998. While at the University of Rio Grande, she pledged the sorority Alpha Mu Beta and remained active as an alumna throughout the years.

Her passing left an unfillable hole in the lives of all who knew her. Lorie is survived by her parents, Otto and Kathaleen Falls of Reedsville; son, Trace Neal of Gallipolis; fiancé, Robbie Jenkins of Gallipolis; brother, Matt Falls and sister-in-law Amy Falls of Parkersburg, West Virginia; beloved niece Emily Falls and nephews Ethan and Logan Falls, also of Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Saturday, September 28, 2013 in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis. Friends and family may call at the funeral home Friday 5:00-8:00 PM.

Lorie cherished her son and because of this love and devotion to him, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her memory to the Trace Tyler Neal Fund, sent or delivered to:

The Ohio Valley Banking Company
420 3rd Ave
Gallipolis, Ohio 45631

Condolences may be sent to www.mcccoymoore.com