Merced, CA–VESSIE NEAL--Nov. 18, 1909 -- Jan. 3, 1997-- Vessie Neal, 87, of Merced died Friday at Mercy Hospital. Mrs. Neal was a native of Boone County, Ark. She lived in Merced 61 years. She was a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by her children, Neavis Huckobey and James W. Neal, both of Merced, Arlene Vergara of Sonoma, Amelia A. Coffee of Merced, Kenneth L. Neal of Sacramento and Winford A. Neal of DosPalos; and 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Stratford Evans Merced Chapel. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel.  --Modesto Bee, The (CA) - January 6, 1997