She went on to receive her Master's Degree in music education from Western Michigan University and spearheaded a massive 27-year career teaching music at Milwood Middle School in the Kalamazoo Public Schools district. In addition to her institutional teaching, she continued providing private piano and voice lessons for aspiring young artists well into her final weeks. 🕊️ Tributes and Impact
McNeal founded The Velvelettes in 1961 alongside Mildred Gill Arbor while both were students at Western Michigan University. The group was completed by Mildred’s younger sister Carolyn (Cal) Gill, friend Betty Kelley, and Bertha's cousin Norma Barbee. The Velvelettes Singer Bertha McNeal Dies at 82
While many Motown artists pursued music full-time, the parents of The Velvelettes insisted they prioritize their schooling, earning them the nickname "The College Girls". Following a string of hits, McNeal took a step back from the group to raise her family and finish her education. She went on to receive her Master's Degree