Mary C. Mcneal

On Monday, February 17, 2025, Mary Carolyn McNeal, 76, of Kansas City, Missouri moved to her Heavenly home. Mary Carolyn was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives.

Mary Caroyln Davis was born on September 22,1948 to Bessie Mae Fields and Cleo Davis in Albany, Georgia. Mary is reunited in Heaven with both parents, one brother, Bobby Davis, four sisters, Blanche Davis, Bernice McFarland, Vivian Mallory and Elois Davis.

Mary Carolyn attended Monroe High School in Albany, Georgia, graduating in 1966.

She went on to pursue an Associate Degree from Albany Technical College. In 1971, she gave birth to her first son, Micheal Drew, the joy of her life. She married Carl Edward Shelton and moved to the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Military Base in North Carolina in 1972.  To this union she welcomed her second blessing, her son, Carl Edward, Jr, in 1975. Mary Carolyn was later blessed with two grandsons, Drew and Dayne, whom she would move mountains for.  She later remarried, Dillard McNeal, of Kansas City, Missouri in 2012.

Mary Carolyn established a strong work ethic at a very young age. She worked for Sears, Roebuck and Co. for over 20 years even after relocating to Kansas City, Missouri in 1990.  Mary Carolyn went on to provide 27 years of committed service to the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, retiring in 2008. Her work did not end after her retirement, she went on to pursue her ministry full time.

Carolyn attended Saint Paul School of Theology.  Thereafter, she was mentored by Pastor Michael E. Brooks, later becoming the Associate Pastor of The Oasis Church International, formerly known as Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Mary Carolyn loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and she loved God’s Word. Though she was a humble, gentle woman, Mary Carolyn was nonetheless a powerful prayer warrior, and only heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family and friends. To so many she was a confidante and an encourager, a wise and discerning, while still open to teaching kind of soul. Everyone who knew Mary Carolyn had a story about the moment they met her and how they felt so loved even after she would tell them exactly like it was.

Mary means “beloved,” and that was certainly true of her spirit, both in how she loved others, others loved her,  and in the way she pursued Christ. She saw the best in each and every person and had a unique way of engaging people that instantly put them at ease. She loved everyone around her with a profound gentleness and fervor.

Mary Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory: Her life partner, Dillard McNeal, One sister, Deborah Johnson of Albany, Georgia. Two sons, Michael Davis (Tamara) of Pleasant Hill, Missouri and Carl Edward Shelton, Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri.  Two grandsons, Drew Michael Davis and Dayne Micah Davis.  One, great grandson, Xakai Benjamin Lepley.  A host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, relatives; extended family and friends.