Regina Nealy passed away at the age of 59 on April 4, 2026, in the presence of her loving daughter, Amanda.

Born on September 17, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, to Walter Nealy and Esther Louise Chadwick, Regina lived a life rooted in compassion, resilience, and strength. Fierce in love and fearless in spirit, she carried her battles with quiet grace. Though her body grew weary, her soul never surrendered. Now she is at peace, radiant in heaven.

Regina's life was marked by perseverance. As a young mother, she endured the heartbreaking loss of the love of her life, Derrick Abney, when their daughter Amanda was just one years old. Through it all, she remained steadfast, raising her daughter with love, determination, and purpose. She later faced the passing of her beloved mother, Esther Louise Chadwick, yet continued to show up for her family with unwavering devotion.

Regina loved deeply and made that love known through her presence. She was a devoted mother and a proud, passionate grandmother who cherished every moment; traveling to games, recitals, graduations, and birthdays, and planning spontaneous trips to museums, shows, swimming outings, and dinners. She stayed up late helping with homework over the phone, always wanting the very best for her family.

A caregiver at heart, Regina extended compassion to all. She faithfully cared for her father and his wife and opened her home to foster children, embracing them as her own. She shared a special bond with Victoria Martinez Brayant and others, nurturing them with the same fierce love she gave her family.

Professionally, Regina built a meaningful career with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, dedicating over 20 years of service and rising to the rank of Sergeant. She later continued her service as a school bus driver with Lessel Transportation. A lifelong learner, she pursued nursing studies at Medgar Evers College and earned multiple certifications, including her CDL, forklift license, and medical billing and coding certification.

She is survived by her father, Walter Nealy (Ruth); her daughter, Amanda Abney (Alan); her grandchildren: Derrick-Elijah Zion Jenkins and Arianna Sophia Jenkins; her siblings: Albert Chadwick (Barbara), Vanessa Ortiz (Jerry), and Vincent Nealy. Five nieces: Diane Grant (Troy), Tiffany Burch, Joylen Marshall, Aliya Nealy, and Tamia Taylor; three nephews: Jason Marshall, Devin Nealy (Raiyan), and Emil Chadwick. Her maternal aunt: Frances Jordan; and her paternal aunts and uncle: Delores Wiggins, Helen Nealy, Barbara Nealy-Flaherty, and Howard Nealy; along with a host of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, loved ones, and those she embraced as her own.
Regina will be remembered for her fierce love, her unbreakable spirit, and the countless lives she touched. Her fight is over; her peace is eternal, and her legacy lives on in all who knew and loved her.

Alternate to Flowers:

As we come to terms with this sudden loss, we ask that, rather than flowers, you consider offering support in Regina's honor to help lighten the burden of unexpected expenses and final arrangements. Please text Amanda Abney at 443.900.6566.