Carolyn Lovejoy McNeal

Carolyn Kimball Lovejoy McNeal, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother died on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at age 90 after a brief illness. She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth McNeal Darling (Stuart), two sons, Steven Clark McNeal (Ann) and Robert Beattie McNeal (Laura), six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, William Clark McNeal, and her parents Elizabeth Beattie Lovejoy and Frederic Kimball Lovejoy. Born in New York, New York, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in 1952 and a Masters of Early Childhood Education from Tulane University in 1968. She was an educator who was director of the Magic Land project (the forerunner of Head Start in New Orleans), a teacher and instructor at the Newcomb College Nursery School, and the teacher of the state kindergarten certification courses at Dominican College. She was an avid seamstress who fashioned most of her own clothing as well as clothing for her children and grandchildren, most notably restoring her cousin’s wedding gown for her daughter and creating christening gowns for her grandchildren. She went on to do textile and lace restoration work on many wedding gowns, christening outfits, Carnival gowns, vintage garments, and antique fans, including for several museums. Carol was a gracious and curious lady who enjoyed her family, her many friends, her garden and learning new things. She loved the little things in life such as a visit from a grandchild, receiving a letter, being outside on a beautiful day and a long swim. She always appreciated the variety of opinions, capabilities, and experiences of the people she knew and met. She was a member of Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church and a founding member of Woodland Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army, PEO, the Orleans Club and Le Petit Salon where she served as president from 2004 - 2007. Contributions in Carol’s memory can be made to Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, 4400 Viking Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111. A memorial service will be held at a later date.