Sister Mary Thomas

Sister Mary Thomas Neal, a Sister of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, died at May Forest, the Motherhouse of the Congregation on March 20, 2021. Sr. Mary Thomas, formerly Barbara Ann Neal was born in Summerville, SC on November 11, 1935. A graduate of Summerville High School, Summerville, SC she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ and Master of Arts Teaching Degree from Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC. Sister also did graduate studies in Administration at The Citadel in Charleston, SC and advanced studies in Youth Ministry at LaSalle College Extension in Trenton, NJ.

Sister Mary Thomas entered the convent August 22, 1958. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1961 and perpetual vows August 15, 1964. Sister Mary Thomas was an educator. She served at various schools in the Diocese of Charleston: St. Andrew’s, Myrtle Beach, SC, St. Mary’s Greenville, SC, St. Angela Academy, Aiken, SC and St. Anne’s Sumter, SC. Sister Mary Thomas also served in the education ministry in the Dioceses of Trenton, Metuchen and Camden NJ. Sister was both a teacher and principal at Our Lady of Mt. Virgin School, Middlesex NJ and a teacher at St. Michael School Gibbstown, NJ.

As an educator, Sister served as Chairperson of Northwest Section of the Diocese of Trenton, NJ Principals and on the Principal’s Advisory Council for the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ. Sister Mary Thomas served on the Stewardship Commission for the Diocese of Charleston, SC.

Sister Mary Thomas Neal found multiple ways to forward the Charity Charism. She served in a number of leadership positions within her religious community. She was a member of the Formation Team, a member of the Personal Development Committee during a time of renewal. Sister Mary Thomas also served as the General Treasurer of the Community for six years. For ten years, Sister was the NGO liaison to the UN for her community. Sister Mary Thomas Neal was an active advocate for victims of Human Trafficking.

Sister was pre-deceased by her parents, Peter J. Neal and Mary Dunning Neal, her sisters, Mary Ellen Neal Harrelson and Trudie Neal Flanagan, and brothers Elmo Neal and George Neal. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and her sisters in Community, The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach Center, PO Box 607, Johns Island, SC 29457.

A private Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at May Forest, Motherhouse Chapel. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.