A Time to be Born...

On June 2,1949, in Norfolk, Virginia, SAMUEL JAMES NEAL, III was born to the late Lucille Goganious Neal and Samuel James Neal, Jr. He was affectionately called "Junie Boy" as a child. He has one namesake son, Samuel J. Neal, IV, and one grandson, Samari Wilcox.

A Time to Learn...

His education includes:

•   BS Degree in Business Administration/Real Estate from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia.

•   Master's Degree in Business Administration from Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Virginia.

+ Master of Divinity Degree from Saint Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland;

+ Doctor of Divinity Degree, United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.

A Time to Work...

He has had several professions (real estate, home improvement contractor, local & state administrator), before becoming a minister and founding a home for assisted-living clients, which he was operating at his passing. Bishop Neal is respected among many community leaders. He was Chairman of the Clergy Caucus of the Coppin Heights Community Development Corporation.

A Time to Serve God...

Samuel James Neal, III was called to pastor in April 1999. He founded the Edmondson Community Baptist Church. He has preached and administered for over 29 years. 18 of those years were as pastor—standing on the wall for the Lord. In 2014, Pastor Neal was elevated to the office of Bishop and change the name of the church to, The Ark of the Covenant Church, Inc. To God be the glory. Bishop Neal's favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Sam always would say: "I'm no ways tired."

A Time to Give Back...

He ministered to the sick, the aged, the mentally ill, and the homeless. His ministry includes caring for their physical needs, psychological needs, as well as their spiritual needs. He taught them how to read, how to pray, and how to increase their faith by obtaining godly wisdom and knowledge. He offered them salvation and taught them to win souls to Christ by creating, organizing, and preparing inspiring programs on how to win souls to Christ.

A Time to Die...

On  April  10,  2024,  Samuel  passed  away  unexpectedly  after  a  brief  illness,  leaving  a  legacy  of  service,  community involvement, and role modeling from which many were influenced and impacted. His devoted wife (Ekaete Jack-Neal), his son (Samuel J, Neal, IV), his older sister (Jean Hundley), and an assisted-living staff were by his side at his passing.

He leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy: His devoted wife, Ekaete Jack-Neal; a son, Samuel J. Neal, IV (Celestine Wilcox) of Baltimore, MD; a grandson: Samari James Neal of Baltimore; six  sisters: Jean Hundley of Baltimore, MD; Dr. Hattie N. Washington of Jacksonville, FL; Terrie Lingham of Atlanta, Georgia; Sheila (Walter) Clark of Randallstown, MD: Eula Keyes of Randallstown, MD; Edna Neal of Randallstown, MD; two brothers: Larry Lee of Randallstown; and Samuel Lee of Baltimore, MD; two Sisters-ln-Law: Linda Bailey of Baltimore, Md and Gwendolyn Neal of Baltimore, MD; Nieces: Charrell W. Thomas, MD (Sean) of Jacksonville, FL;; Cheryl Y. Washington, Esq. of Lanham, MD; Erica Whye of Baltimore, MD; Michelle Waddell Dade of Atlanta, GA; Tonya Hardy of Baltimore, MD; Nephews: Kenswil Paige (Lisa); Carl Lingham of Atlanta, GA; Warren Snowden, Jr, (Moneeka) of Randallstown; Brian Berry of Baltimore, MD; Charles Keyes, Jr, (Charlene) of Randallstown; Arnold Neal, Jr of Baltimore, MD; Brandon Lee of Baltimore, MD; Rodney Neal of Baltimore, MD; Wayne Saunders of Pikesville, MD; Madison Dade of Atlanta, GA; and a host of grand-nieces, grand-nephews, Ark of the Covernant Church members, assisted-living residents & staff, and friends.