Erika Denise Neal

Erika Denise Neal passed away peacefully on October 16, 2026, at the age of 18. She was born in Jackson County, Oklahoma, on March 8, 2008, to Eric Neal and the late Leticia Miller.

Beautiful, quiet, and brilliantly bright, Erika lived life as an artist in every sense of the word. Though soft-spoken, her personality shone with a brilliant, unmistakable brightness. Her creativity knew no bounds: she was always sketching, creating alternative fashion, styling hair, and bringing joy to others through her TikTok videos. Her world was painted in vibrant ideas and creative expression.

Her story with her second mother, Jerri, began in a unique and special way. Jerri served as her caseworker for a year and a half before discovering they were actually related. From that moment, their already growing bond grew to be unbreakable, and Jerri brought Erika home to live with her for two wonderful years.

Because her biological mother had passed away, Erika affectionately called herself Jerri's "borrowed baby"—a title held between them with immense love and tenderness. Holding Jerri's hand in her final moments, Erika gave her hand one last squeeze before passing peacefully.

While the grief of losing her at just 18 years old is immeasurable, there is comfort in knowing that after their precious time together, her borrowed baby has now been returned to her mother’s arms in heaven.

Erika is survived by her loving second mother, Jerri Skinner; her cherished siblings, Katera Wynn, Elecia Neal, Devonte Spencer and Khyla Russell; her grandfather Donald Miller; and many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her biological mother, Leticia Miller, and her grandmother, Sandra Miller.

Services are under the direction of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.