Mary Hicklin Jones McNeely

Mrs. Mary Hicklin Jones McNeely was born November 21,1951, in York County, South Carolina, to the late Mr. George T. Hicklin and Mrs. Susie M. Hicklin.

She departed this Life on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Presiding Elder George Henry McNeely, and devoted mother of two daughters, Marlydia Antionette Jones (deceased) and Aethrea Seanne Jones.

Mary received her undergraduate education at A & T State University, Greensboro, N.C. and Winthrop University, Rock Hill, S.C. Her post-graduate work was performed at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, S.C. and Columbia, S.C. and the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa A.L. and further post-graduate studies in education. She held a certification in Interior Design from York Technical College, Rock Hill S.C. She also worked with the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. This work allowed her to travel to China and Japan to learn first-hand about Asian culture and the impact of their culture on our present society in the global perspective.

Mary’s teaching tenure included the Rock Hill, Fort Mill S.C. School District, and Charlotte Mecklenburg County School District. Her last Teaching Assignment was with at-risk students, with behavioral, academic, attendance, and controlled substance abuse challenges. Because of her strong Christian values, she was able to nurture and steer them in the right direction to help them become healthy and productive in society.

Mary earned Teacher of the Year in 2011 and National Professional Association of Business Woman of the Year in 2010.

Mary received her spiritual nurturing as a member of Foundation A.M.E. Zion Church. She confessed her faith in Christ at a very early age and made that confession publicly at the age of twelve under the pastorate of Bishop W.C. Walker Sr. Later in her journey, she became a member of St. Stephens A.M.E. Zion Church, Gastonia N.C.

Her early involvement in her local church and community helped prepare and equip her for future aspirations. When she was 16 she began to use her gifts and talents! She made costumes for the Christmas Program and even made a Suit for Santa! As she grew in her expertise of sewing, she began to sew Choir Robes for the Vocal Choir, Children’s Choir, Men's Choir, Adult Musical Choir, Church Members, Clergy, Family and Friends.

Mary had a strong desire to excel and make a lasting impact in whatever capacity she served. Some of the capacities she served were Church Secretary, Director of Christian Education, Deaconess, Adult Musical Choir Member, Pastor’s Aid Board, Parent Body Missionary Society #2, Life Member Council, Supt. Of the Buds of Promise Missionary

Society, and Editor of the Church Newsletter of Foundation A.M.E. Zion Church. While serving as Superintendent of the Buds of Promise in her local church, she was given a vision to design a Logo for the Buds of Promise. She used her creativity to depict the Bud’s Motto “Blooming All for Jesus” into Logo that would communicate the Motto’s message visually. She also made caps for The Buds of Promise.

She was given another vision to create a Magazine for the Bud’s of Promise Missionary Society called MY BUDDY. This magazine serves as a teaching and sharing tool for Buds Missionaries throughout Zion in Seven Continents.

Mary served as Assistant Superintendent of the Buds of Promise on the Rock Hill District. Shortly after she became Superintendent of the Buds of Promise for the Rock Hill District, which helped pave the way to her becoming the General Superintendent of the Buds of Promise of the Woman’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society of the A.M.E. Zion Church.

Mary continued to live out her favorite scripture until God called her home.

“I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter Aethrea Seanne Jones, four siblings Jakie Hicklin, Rosa Blake, Margie Hicklin Rock Hill S.C. and Thelma Cotton of Georgetown, S.C., (8 Deceased Siblings)

Several Brother-in-laws and Sister-in- laws; Melvin McNeely and Curtis Thompson (Freda) Both of Cornelius, N.C., Donald McNeely (Toya), Willie “Pete” Thompson, Neal Thompson (Debbie) all of Charlotte N.C., Wanda Thompson DuBois (Ephriam), Karen Thompson Potts (Nate) both of Cornelius N.C., Renee’ Thompson Armstrong ( Scott) of Charlotte N.C., Ingrid Paris Hicklin of Woodbridge, VA and, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

Two Devoted friends; Jan McKiver and Reverend Sylvia Perry.

A Special Heartfelt Thank You goes out to her Sister Rosa Blake. Thank you for not only opening your Heart, but your home so that you could take care of my mother. You are appreciated more than you know.

Thank You to her niece Marilyn Neely for being there and providing support in so many capacities.

May God Continue to Bless You!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mrs. Mary Hicklin Jones McNeely to support the collegiate scholarship named in her honor. The Mary Hicklin Jones McNeely Scholarship will be administered by the Beacon Foundation, Inc.

 Website: www.carolinabf.org 

Donations can be made: CashApp: $Beaconcares 

Online via debit or credit card: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/mrs-mary-hicklin-jones-mcneely-scholarship-fund

Checks payable to: The Beacon Foundation, Inc. PO Box 1523 Chester, SC 29706

(Please indicate “Mary McNeely” on the memo line)