Theresa A. McNeil

Theresa McNeil 72 of Toms River, NJ passed away on Friday November 3, 2023, at Community Medical Center (Hospital) of Toms River, NJ.   She was born on July 2, 1951, in Brooklyn, NY to Brooksie and Lee Richardson. Her family relocated to Lakewood, NJ where she graduated from Lakewood High School in1969.

Theresa continued her education after giving birth to her son, Michael McNeil III (boom Richardson.) She graduated from Ocean County College, Glassboro State and Georgian Court College, where she earned her degree in education.

Theresa had been married to Michael McNeil Jr for 50 years. Her teaching career was from 1977-2016 (12 years at Whiting Elementary School in Manchester, and the other 28 years were at the Asbury Park Bangs Avenue Elementary School). She worked summers for Lakewood recreation for over 25 fun years. She helped continually in the community tutoring neighborhood kids, fundraising and helping out at S.T.E.P.S (Solutions To End Poverty Soon.)  She truly was compassionate about making a difference.

Theresa had the gift of gab and could hold a conversation. Her passing was sudden and unexpected, she truly was a gift from God to those that knew her and felt the life she breathed.   

She was predeceased by her parents, Brooksie and Lee Richardson, stepfather, Dan Henderson (NC), stepmom, Clarice Richardson, brothers, Thomas Lee Richardson, Hartwell Richardson, and David "Moon" Richardson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Michael McNeil Jr, son, Mike "Boom" Richardson McNeil, brothers, Joseph and Sylvester Richardson, stepbrothers, Larry and Calvin Henderson, stepsister, Tracey Henderson Hill, daughter in law, Marilyn McNeil, 2 grandchildren, Lee and Carmen, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and special friends, Linda Swanson, Darlene Clark, Shante Franklin, and Mrs. Hester, sister in laws, Angels and Gracie Reeves. She was an extended mom to Eddie Baum, Bryant Worthy, Harrie Garris, and Timothy Brown. 

Celebration of Life

Did not see this day coming so soon,

As I last spoke to you on Monday late morning or afternoon

Did not think Friday you would leave us so soon,

Now you’re gone and we’re left in shock,

As this passing of your productive loving life has ended

Now broken hearts must start the process,

Of hearts needing to be mended

I’m not going to focus on your sudden death,

Instead, I’ll celebrate the life that you gave.

How you helped so many people over the years

How you even overcame your own fears,

As I remember your contributions

I shed tears,

Did not see this day coming so soon.

As I last spoke to you on Monday late morning or afternoon

Did not think Friday you would leave us so soon,

Now you’re gone and we’re left in shock,

As this passing of your productive loving life has ended

Now broken hearts must start the process,

Of hearts needing to be mended

I’m not going to focus on your sudden death,

Instead, I’ll celebrate the life that you gave,

How you helped so many people over the years

How you even overcame your own fears,

As I remember your contributions

I shed tears,

You were one of the most talkative person’s that’s ever lived,

Many speak of you and how you shared what you had,

and had much to give.

Your unique sense of humor will also be missed,

So will the request for a plate,

When I cook fried apples, cornbread, and fish,

You and my father had been together over 50 years,

Not many can say that any time of the year.

You supported one another as you pursued your careers.

He too is experiencing uncontrollable tears.

You taught over forty years.

In Manchester for 12 and Asbury Park for 28, in between you were director of the

Freehold Head Start and Lakewood Recreation at John Street, the KP’s, Pine Park

and Camp Viking, you made a difference along the way.

Such a long journey in a short time

Many special colleagues and friends

Not many can say that an awesome person you are,

For some you are both family and friends

Your grandkids loved spending time with you,

Watching Marvel and horror movies,

eating pizza or empanadas too,

as you’d request Marilyn to make empanadas

or homemade cookies for you

One of the most appreciative person’s that you helped,

both him and his brothers all of their life, Bryant Worthy,

spoke of you so highly on things I never knew. How you

babysat them bad boys as he said but got your point through,

helping many learn to proficiently read, you planted

and nurtured many seeds

An unselfish person

You were one not of greed.

We all know, with you God is pleased.

So now your soul has departed the physical world.

We thank you; you truly are on of God’s pearls.

Copyright November 7, 2023

Mike “boom” Richardson McNeil Poetic 23

I will miss you mom but cherish what you provided me in life.

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