Fatima Maliaka Neal

In Loving Memory of Fatima Maliaka Neal

"We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—who say, when struck by a disaster, 'Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.' They are the ones who will receive Allah’s blessings and mercy. And it is they who are ˹rightly˺ guided." — Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155-157

Fatima Maliaka Neal returned to Allah on November 22, 2024, at 12:22 a.m., at Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her name was chosen to honor Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) beloved daughter, Fatima, and her late uncle, Richard Neal “Abdul Malik,” whose name inspired “Maliaka,” meaning angel.

Though Fatima’s life was brief, touched by Trisomy 18 before birth, she profoundly impacted the hearts and lives of all who awaited her arrival. Each moment she was carried was a cherished blessing.

Fatima is the beloved angel of Cedrick and Natalie Neal of Evansville, Indiana. She is lovingly survived by her parents and her siblings: Cedrick Neal Jr. (Samantha) and their children, London, Willow, Wrenly, and Cedrick III; Cedreanna Neal; Marquez Neal and his children, Marsiah, Marzavier, and Ma’Kai; Destiney Nottingham and her children, Paisleigh and Paxtyn; and Dominiq Lawson.

Her paternal grandparents are Richard Neal Sr. and Luzzetta Gibbs, and her maternal grandparents are Steven and Maggie Nottingham. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles: Larhonda Neal-Chick and her children, Mio, Ty, JuJu, Aaliyah, Taylor, and Kal-El; Katrina Neal-Smith and her children, Kaniece, Kia, Dre, Mookie, and Arab; Labron Neal; Nicholas Nottingham (Bridgette) and their daughters, Savannah and Sophia and Krystal Glover El.

Fatima joins in eternal peace her Aunt RuthMae Neal and her uncles, Richard Neal Jr. and Vernell Neal.

“Surely to Allah we belong and to Him we will ˹all˺ return.” May Fatima Maliaka Neal rest in the eternal mercy and blessings of Allah.                       

Although her footprint may be small in stature it made a large imprint in our lives. 

Final arrangement lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.