Birdell Thomas McNeil, age 90, was born on September 10, 1935, at 1991 Benford street in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late Orange and Alice Wallace Thomas. From the Beginning, Birdell's life was rooted in family, faith, perseverance, and the kind of quiet strength that only god can shape over time. she departed this life on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 8:12 AM. 

As one of six children, Birdell grew up surrounded by the bonds of family. She shared life with three sisters and two brothers, all of whom preceded her in death. Her early years were marked by both love and loss. On June 27, 1944, her mother, Alice passed away, leaving Bridell and her siblings to be raised by their father whom she had great admiration in his determination to keep the family together. Though losing a mother at such a young age was not easy, Birdell's life became testimony of endurance. God Carried her through the tender years of childhood, and with each season, he gave her the grace to keep standing.  

Birdell attended Florida Street School during her grammar school years and later attended Geeter High School. Although her formal education ended in the eleventh grade, her wisdom was not confined to the classroom. She carried the kind of wisdom that is learned through living, listening, working, praying, and trusting god through every chapter. She understood responsibility at an early age and learned hot o move through life with dignity, resilience, and faith. 

As a young woman, Birdell worked hard and made her own way. Her first job was at Gaston Hospital, The MED, sterilizing gloves and delivering them to hospital floors. She later worked at Fox Photo, a job she especially enjoyed. There, she handled 35mm film and other types of pictures, inspecting film, Packaging photographs, and selecting the best pictures. In many ways, that work reflected something beautiful about Bridell herself. She had a way of noticing what mattered, holding onto memories, and appreciating the moments that would make up a life. Before meeting her beloved Eddie B McNeil, Birdell worked at sash and laundry on Jackson Ave. It was during that season God allowed their paths to cross. Eddie B courted Birdell for some time, and what began as a meaningful connection grew into a long-term relationship and marriage that lasted more than 60 years. Their Union was a blessing, a partnership, and a reflection of commitment that endured through many seasons of life.

Birdell also built a strong legacy through her work. While Eddie B was working at sears, he helped Birdell get a job in Customer service at sears & Roebuck, Crosstown. She went on to work at sears for more than three decades before retiring. Her years there spoke of dedication, dependability, and strong work ethic. she was the kind of woman who showed up, did what needed to be done, and carried herself with pride and purpose. 

Birdell had on Birth son, Salem Boddie Jr., from a previous marraige, and through her marraige to Eddie B, she gained four bonus daughters. Family was one of the great treasures of Birdell's life. She Loved deeply, and that love was not limited by titles or bloodlines. when she marries Eddie B, The McNiel Family became her family. She embraced them, loved them, and became a part of their story just as they became a part of hers. Her most notable joy as a mother was raisng her nephew, LaTorris Dewayne McNeil, and granddaughter, Amber Elise McNeil Burgess. Birdell's love for family was steady and deeply rooted in the belief that family is one of God's greatest gifts. 

She enjoyed traveling and was always open to going anywhere. she appreciated the joy of seeing new places and experiencing life beyond the familiar. Birdell also enjoyed Bowling balls, shoes, and bags. 

Birdelll professed her faith in Christ in her mid-30s. Once committed, she attended church regularly, Finding strength,  comfort, and community in the house of the lord. Church was more than a place she went; it was part of who she was. Her faith was a steady part of her journey. She had tenure as a Sunday school teacher and was an active member on the mother board at Liberty Branch Branch missionary Baptist church, Moscow, Tn, New Salem Missionary Baptist church, parkway, and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Enterprise, both in Memphis, TN. Prior to becoming home bound, she attended and became a member of Brown Missionary Baptist church under the leadership of senior pastor, Dr. Bartholomew Orr. It was her earnest desire to become active  in the ministry at the Whitehaven location because it was close enough for her to drive herself. Unfortunately, due to paralyzing stroke, she had to settle for online services which she watched all three services faithfully every week. She would always reflect on how Pastor Orr came to the hospital and told her to fix her hair so they could take a picture with his.  

Birdell T. McNiel's Life was a beautiful testimony of God's Keeping power. She was daughter, a sister, a beloved wife, a mother, a bonus mother, and a grandmother, lovingly called granny. Her story reminds us that a life does not have to be grand in the eyes of the world to be deeply meaningful in the eyes of god. her life was meaningful because she loved, she worked, she endured, she believed, and she left behind memories that will continue to bless her family. Today, as we remember Birdell, we do so with grateful hearts. We thank God for the years he gave her, for the family she loved, for marriage she built with Eddie B, for the McNeil family she embraced as her own, for the lessons she taught without always needing words, and for the strength she modeled. Though her earthly journey has come to a close, her spirit, her legacy, and her love remain. 

Birdell T. McNiel is survived by one son, Salem "Peaches" Boddie, Jr. of Memphis, TN, and three daughters, Wanda (David) Roberts of Oreland, PA, Pamela McNeil- Venzant, and stephanie (Adrian) Williams, both of Memphis, TN. Birdell Leaves nine grandchildren: Anwar (Arnelle) of San Diego, CA, Jalia Warford of Houston, TX, Amber (Jerry) Burgess of chantilly, VA, Lindsay (Tamar) Roberts greene of North Brunswick, NJ, Anjelica Venzant of walls, MS, Steven (Michelle) Roberts of Ardmore, PA, Morgan Venzant of Washington, DC, Mariah Venzant and Jeremiah Venzant, both of Memphis, TN. Her legacy will continue with five great-granchildren: Skyler Riley and Shelby Benford both of Chantilly, VA, Amari-Josiah "AJ" David Nkume Greene and Nala Michelle Imani Greene, Both of north Brunswick, NJ, and John Davis Roberts of Ardmore PA. She will also leave to cherish her memories a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and special friends. 

Preceded in death and together again with her husband, Eddie B McNiel, whom she longed for since his passing 15 months ago; five siblings: David, "OD" Thomas, Peter Thomas, Nazzena  Thomas, Virginia Davis and Alcenia Telford; Two Godsons, Karl Rivers and Terry Mason; and one daughter, Felecia Mae Wadley. 

May the Family find comfort in knowing that Birdell is now resting in the arms of the Lord. May the memories of her laughter, her stories, her faith, and her presence bring peace in the days ahead. And May her life continue to remind all that God is Faithful, love endures, and a life is rooted in faith is never forgotten.