Cornelious Mason

Cornelious “Neal” Mason was born to Clarence Mason, Sr. and Cora Lee (Halliburton) Mason on August 20, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was the second of nine children. He accepted Christ at an early age at Rocky Mountain Missionary Baptist Church. Neal later joined Greater Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Curtis Rideout. Neal graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1965. He began serving in the U.S. Army in 1966 and received an honorable discharge in 1972. In 1968, he married Mary L. Morton. To this union, two children were born: Randall Mason and Katese Mason. Because he believed that Education was Essential to Progress, Neal attended Arkansas Baptist College and earned a bachelor's degree in social work with a minor in Theological Studies. After which, he became a licensed social worker. In his profession, he was known for being fair, firm, and consistent (even with his most difficult employees - his mother and his older brother). After receiving numerous career advances through the years, Neal retired as the Assistant Administrator from Southwest Homes in March 2000. An avid supporter of his younger siblings and the Morton family children, Neal was very much a family man. He never met a stranger. He was a lover of people and would do whatever he could to help – even if he cursed first! If the need was financial, you would receive a “money management speech” as he wrote your name and balance in his “little black tablet.” His service and support extended as he became the Godfather to Rosalyn Miller, the k. Richardson children, Kareen Cooper, and Vincent Brown. In 2002, Neal married Carla Piggee, and became bonus dad to Brian Piggee and Candace Piggee. He always walked with confidence and pride because of his accomplishments. His fearless, compassionate personality made Neal fun to be around. His wit, charm, sarcasm, and trash-talking humor were unmatched. He never minced words, as he spoke wisdom to all that he encountered. Cornelious “Neal” Mason was 75 years old when he departed this life on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents: Clarence and Cora Lee Mason; brothers: Charles Alvin, Danny Maurice, Donald Ray, Clarence, Jr., Robert Lee, and Bobby Joe. Neal leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Carla Piggee Mason; children: Randall (Relanda) Mason; Katese “Tiki” Mason; Gabrielle Marshall Mason; brother: William “Red” Mason; sister: Deborah Mason; bonus children: Brian Piggee, and Candace Piggee; eight grandchildren: Courtney Mason, Jaylon Mason, Rosalyn Tensley, Gavin Williams, Brian Piggee, Jr., Joseph Davis, Jacob Bunche, and Ari’el Hines; and a host of relatives and friends.

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