Janessa Rene Neal-Brewer

Janessa Rene Neal-Brewer finished her earthly race and entered heaven early the morning of May 11, 2021, at her home in Garland, TX. She was surrounded by her family that loved and cherished her.


Janessa was born in Garland, TX on a stormy day on May 3, 1979 to proud parents LC and Carla Neal. She had two older sisters, Jessica and Jennifer. She and her family lived on Pensacola Drive in Garland. She was a personable, funny girl who attended Vial Elementary and Lyles Middle School. At Lyles she was named "Miss Lyles Lumberjack" and was a member of the cheerleading squad.


She attended Lakeview Centennial High School. Her junior year, she met her future husband, Joel Brewer. By the time she graduated she was named Class President, Class Favorite and Miss Lakeview.


After graduating from Lakeview in 1997, she earned her undergraduate degree in 2001 at the University of North Texas in General Studies with an emphasis in special education.


In May of 2002, she and Joel were married in McKinney, Texas. After marrying, the couple lived in the Washington DC metro area until late 2006. While in DC she earned her masters degree at George Mason University. Janessa worked at Best Buddies before becoming a special education teacher at Freedom Hill Elementary in Fairfax, Virginia. She had a passion for helping others and especially those in the special needs community. She and Joel attended First Baptist Church of Alexandria where Janessa was baptized. They loved their time in DC, making numerous lifelong friendships and memories during their stay.


In August 2006, Janessa and Joel had their first baby - a precious little girl named Emerson Tempe. She was born in Reston, Virginia on August 23rd. Two months later, the family moved back to Texas where they bought a house on Prescott Drive in Garland and began raising their little girl and living the Texas life. In the fall of 2007, Janessa and Joel found out they were expecting another baby. During her pregnancy with their son Neal Conner, Janessa was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. As soon as Neal was born in April of 2008, she began treatment and eventually surgery. She beat it, going into remission!


For the next 11 years, she lived life to the fullest cancer free. She enjoyed their church immensely, working, attending and volunteering at both Lakepointe Town East and Firewheel campuses.



Janessa loved traveling. The family took numerous trips to Janessa's favorite beach spot in Jamaica Beach, Texas, and so many special, epic family trips to Maine, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Virginia, North Carolina, California and Florida.



She also loved hosting get togethers with friends and family during for special occasions and holidays. She even hosted a book club at her home with her school PTA friends.


In the summer of 2019, a new form of cancer returned. Janessa spent nearly 2 years fighting fiercely, while continuing to shine as a phenomenal wife, mom, and friend to so many.


Janessa crossed the finish line of her epic life and cancer fight early morning May 11, 2021, slipping peacefully into the arms of Jesus and finding eternal healing and joy. She was surrounded at home by her devoted husband Joel, Emerson and Neal, as well as her parents, sisters and multiple nieces.


Janessa is survived by husband Joel, daughter Emerson and son Neal, her parents LC and Carla Neal, sister Jessica and husband Todd Hogan, nieces Blakely and Brooke and great nephew Jaxon Neal Guedea, sister Jennifer and husband Danny Spence, nieces Lindsey and Landry, and grandmother Dottie Williams. Janessa also leaves behind in-laws Rusty and Nita Brewer, grandmother Reba Hill, brother-in-law Jeff and wife Lindsie, nieces and nephews Brooke, Jackson, Ellie and Ava.

Visitation time with family and friends is Friday, May 14, 2021 from 6 - 8 pm at the Lake Pointe Firewheel Campus located at 1201 Campbell Rd., Garland, Tx 75044. Celebration of a Beautiful Life will be Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11 am followed by an internment at Lakeview Cemetery 2343 Lake Rd., Lavon, Texas 75166.