Theresa C. McNeal, of Pomfret Maryland, departed this life on March 13th, 2020. She was born on April 1, 1933 in Avenue, Md to the late Lewis A. Thomas Sr. and Alice Carter Thomas. Theresa was educated in the St. Mary’s County Public School System. In 1949 she graduated from Banneker High School, the youngest in her class. She then continued her education at Bowie State College where she received a Bachelor of Science in the Field of Education in 1955.
After she completed her education, she returned to St. Mary’s County where she began her teaching
career at White Marsh Elementary School and later at Mechanicsville Elementary School. She later was employed by Prince George’s County Public School System, where she taught at Forte Foote Elementary
School until her retirement.
It was in Prince George’s County Maryland that she was introduced to Air Force Serviceman Wallace E. McNeal of Florida. They were united in marriage on October 17, 1975 and Renewal of Vows in 2004.
Theresa found many ways to stay busy in her retirement years. She took up sewing, macramé, ceramics, and canning, however cooking and baking were her real passions. When she was in the kitchen cooking for family and friends, she was in her element. Many will remember the sweetness of her delicious cakes, especially her famous fruit cakes that she always made for the Holiday season. Theresa and her husband Wallace McNeal decided to open their own Catering Business, in Charles County, Maryland, and Basic T Catering was established. They catered large and small events throughout Charles County and the Washington, DC area for several years until December 2016.
In 2001, Theresa was honored by the Nu Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority and received the Economic Empowerment Award for the establishment of the Basic T Catering Business with her husband. She was instrumental in training personnel for food service careers. Also, The Pomfret Civics Association awarded her The Appreciation Award for her devoted service to the community.
Theresa was a faithful member of St. Joseph Church in Pomfret, Maryland. She provided many hours of service, teaching CCD classes, Eucharistic Ministry, Parish Council, meals for the Rectory and other Church Sponsored Programs. She also was a devoted caregiver for her Mother.
Theresa leaves to celebrate her life, her husband of 45 years, Wallace McNeal; stepdaughter, Diane McNeal; sister, Janice Diggs (Richard) and sister/cousins, Anne Jones and Delores Gilbert. She also leaves three sisters-in-law, Gayle Thomas, Jewel Lewis, and Abbie Lee McCloud; grandchildren, Michael McNeal Sr, Tiffany McNeal, Antuanette Vega, and Lyndsey McNeal; great grandchildren, Channing Ogburn, BreAuna McNeal, SaiNai McNeal, Michael McNeal Jr., Kaleya Collins, Jacolbie Collins J.R., Jayana Collins, Pierre Williams, and Coran Johnson.
In addition to her parents, Alice and Lewis Thomas, Theresa was preceded in death by her brother, Lewis A. Thomas Jr.; stepdaughter, Denise McNeal; stepson, Corporal 1st Class Wallace McNeal Jr.; sister/cousin, Jean Roberts and brother/cousin, John A. Carter. Theresa is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and many Godchildren that were near and dear to her heart. Theresa has left a legacy, not only with her family but everyone she touched.
Services will be private. You may contact the family via email @ janice.diggs123@gmail.com.
My sincere prayers and condolences to Theresa’s family. She was a wonderful and caring person, a great teacher and a great friend. The years we worked together at White Marsh Elementary School were delightful. SHE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. May the Lord’s blessings with you.
Ms McNeal was a very pleasant, kind, gentle and patient person.
She allowed my daughter, Monique to work alongside her in her catering business about 22 years ago. The time that Monique spent with Ms McNeal was valuable. She is using those skills to make delicious baked desserts today.