Karen Sue (Leadingham) McNeal, 62, Portsmouth, OH born April 8, 1964, passed April 8, 2026 after a valiant fight against cancer.

She was born to Roger and Judith (Kinker) Leadingham in Portsmouth, Ohio and was the third daughter that the family eagerly welcomed.

Karen graduated from Independence High School (Columbus, OH) in 1982. As a proud 76’er, she participated in The Liberty Bells, the high school drill team, and was a member of the band, where she played clarinet.

She was enamored with the man she ultimately married, Carl McNeal in 1990. They share one son, Alonzo McNeal who was Karen’s pride and joy.

Karen was a very caring person. She and Carl took in many less fortunate people during her life and saw that so many friends and relatives had what they needed. As the saying goes, she would give you the shirt off her back.

Karen is preceded in death by her grandparents Elizabeth (Fletcher) Rollins and Arthur “Sweat” Kinker, James and Kathleen (Adams) Leadingham, step-grandfather, Harvey Rollins, aunt, Linda (Rollins) Barry, uncles, Darrell and Leroy Leadingham, stepson, Marty McNeal and cousin, Courtney Leadingham.

Karen is survived by the love of her life, Carl McNeal, her son, Alonzo, parents, Roger and Judy Leadingham of South Webster, OH, siblings, Sheila (Matt) Walker of Columbus, OH, Angela Griffin of Columbus, OH, Brian Leadingham (Jennifer Nicholus) of Naperville, IL, and Brenda Shaw of Columbus, OH.  Also survived by brothers-in-law Bill McNeal of Russells Point, OH, Kenny McNeal of Roundhead, OH, sister-in-law Linda Dapice of Indian Lake, OH, her beloved pup, Bella, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering of  family and friends on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. a memorial service will be follow at SWICK BENTLEY FUNERAL HOME in New Boston.