Mary Burgess Neal

MARY BURGESS NEAL, Age 96 of Bryans Road, Maryland

October 21, 1908 - May 2, 2005
A beautiful flower in the Master’s Bouquet

We are all flowers in the garden of life. On Monday, May 2, 2005, the Lord was creating a special bouquet and looked down for a particularly beautiful flower and hand-picked Mary Burgess Neal for His Master’s bouquet.

Born October 21, 1908, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Mary Burgess was the first of three children born to the late David Burgess and the late Ida Mae Williams Burgess. Both sister (Ida Mae) and brother (James) preceded her in death. Together with the family, Mary united with Antioch Baptist Church in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. She was a very loving child and was always interested in reading and singing. Although her voice might not have been the quality to obtain a contract to record a record album, it is remembered that often times when she was auditioning, her father would tell her that she couldn’t sing. But as mothers have a way of supporting their children, her mother would say, “let that girl sing.” Today, she is a Master soprano soloist in the “Heavenly Choir.”

Following her early childhood training, she united with the Alexandria United Methodist Church in Rison, Maryland, where she graciously volunteered in numerous organizations. She chaired many committees, assisted with family trips, song services and enjoyed attending revivals. She was not one for the lime-light but is remembered as a faithful foot soldier and unsung hero. Later, when Mary experienced limited mobility, she attended Metropolitan United Methodist Church which was closer to home.

She graduated from Menesa High School and received a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bowie State College and a Masters Degree from New York State University. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

In 1939, Mary migrated to Charles County, Maryland, and roomed with the Ross family. She taught school at Mt. Hope Elementary School in Mt. Hope, Maryland, under the leadership of Mr. J.C. Parks, Superintendent of Schools. She progressed in her profession and after a forty-seven year tenure in the educational system, “Mary B.” as she was more affectionately known retired in 1986, as Superintendent of Schools, replacing Mr. J.C. Parks when he retired.

On September 22, 1946, she married the love of her life, Clayton “Bus” Neal. To this union was born a son, Clayton David Neal. Bus was a faithful and loving husband whose life was centered on his beloved Mary and his son, Clayton. Mary was deeply saddened by the death of her beloved husband, Bus, in 1989.

One of Mrs. Neal’s most notable accomplishments was her continua’s contribution to the education of children, even after retirement. She faithfully donated monetary funds and school supplies to various schools and families. During her career, Mary and her co-workers would identify students particular needs and provide such items as shoes, clothing and food to the child’s family.

Highly respected, Mary is remembered for her great words of wisdom: “Always do right. Always pull yourself up. Education is the most important thing. Kids must go to school.” And finally, “I thank the Lord for my time.”

Mary is survived by: her loving and devoted son, Clayton David Neal and his wife, Bashie, of Waldorf, MD, her 100 year old cousin, Molly Thompson, of Belle Vernon PA (whom she loved as a sister), several nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends too numerous to count.

Her Viewing will be held at 9:00 am on Monday, May 9, 2005 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 3380 Metropolitan Church Road, Pomonkey, Maryland, where Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am. She will be laid to rest with her beloved Clayton (Bus) at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland. Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home, P.A. Pomonkey, Maryland