our staff

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Our Valued Staff

Committed to assisting you in commemorating your cherished one, our team possesses extensive experience in serving families from diverse backgrounds. We are accessible round the clock, reachable through email or phone, ensuring continuous support whenever you need it. With patience, compassion, and unwavering professionalism, our team remains dedicated and readily available to attend to your needs.

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Mr. Bryan McNeal Jr.

President, CFSP, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer #1963

Bryan McNeal, Jr, is a native of Awendaw, SC. After graduation from High School his first employment was at St. Francis Xavier Hospital as a Lab Aide, Vein puncture text, and assistant to the Pathologist during autopsies. From there he attended Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA, where he received his licenses to become a Funeral Director and Embalmer.
For the first twelve years of employment was at Harleston Boags Funeral Home, Inc. where he served as the Vice President. Mr. McNeal gives thanks and indebtedness to Mr. Grippon Boags for the knowledge and experience gained while employed at Harleston Boags Funeral Home.
Mr. McNeal has received many awards for his service to his community and from his Business and Professional Associates.

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Mr. S. Gervais McNeal

Vice President/Manager, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer #4035, Licensed Preneed Insurance Agent

Samuel Gervais O. McNeal, is a native of Awendaw, SC. He is the last child born to Mr. Bryan McNeal, Jr. & Ms. Benzina M. Holmes. Being the son of a Funeral Director and Embalmer, he started to gain interest in the art at an early age. By seven years old, he would join his father, anytime school was out, especially during the summer time and would help in any way within the funeral home.
In 2013, Mr. McNeal graduated from Garrett Academy of Technology and soon after enrolled at Gupton – Jones College of Funeral Services, where he graduated Salutatorian with a Science Degree in Funeral Service, with the Class of 2015. Upon completing his apprenticeship in July 2017, he became a Licensed Funeral Director & Licensed Embalmer with one of the oldest funeral homes that is still operating in Charleston, SC: W.M. Smith – McNeal Funeral Home & Chapel. He is a member of Pi Sigma Eta Mortuary Fraternity and received the Mu Sigma Alpha Award for Academic Achievement.

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Mrs. Donna Reed

Funeral Director, Licensed Funeral Director #4803

Donna Patrina Linen Reed is a native of Georgetown, South Carolina. After graduating from Choppee High School, she attended Chris Logan Career College in Myrtle Beach, where she earned a diploma in Cosmetology. She is a licensed Cosmetology Instructor and has taught at several colleges and technical schools. For more than 30 years, Mrs. Reed owned and operated Dare to Be Different Hair Salon and Spa. She employed and mentored young cosmetologists, encouraging some to continue their education and become cosmetology instructors. She has also been active in her community in many ways. Mrs. Reed served with the Georgetown County School District and was named Support Staff Member of the Year at Georgetown High School in 2019. She also served as a junior varsity and varsity cheerleading coach. After working in the funeral industry as a mortuary cosmetologist, Mrs. Reed felt called to serve families more fully in funeral service. She earned an Associate of Science in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in 2023 and later passed her board examinations to become a licensed Funeral Director. Mrs. Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology from Christian Outreach Bible Institute in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and a certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies from Living Word Bible College in Conway, South Carolina. She is also a certified Crematory Operator. She is married to Matthew Reed, and together they have three daughters, five grandchildren, and a son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Reed own Dare to Be Different Services, LLC, through which they operate several businesses.

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Ms. Delores Whaley

Office Manager Emeritus

Delores M. Whaley, a proud native of Charleston, SC, embarked on her academic journey at Burke High School, graduating with distinction in 1960. She pursued higher education at Allen University in Columbia, SC earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1965. Committed to academic excellence, Delores obtained a certification to teach in the middle schools from the Citadel, supplementing her knowledge through extensive studies at the institution.
For three decades, Delores dedicated herself to shaping young minds within the Charleston Public School System, leaving an indelible mark as both an elementary and middle school educator. Her passion and commitment were recognized with nominations for Teacher of the Year at Haut Gap Middle School in 1980 and 1990. Throughout her tenure, she garnered numerous accolades, including plaques, certificates, and honors, for her exceptional and unwavering service to the teaching profession.
Delores embarked on her second career journey at Harleston-Boags Funeral Home, under the guidance of Mr. Grippon Boags. Later, she transitioned to Wm. Smith Funeral Home, now known as Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, where she joined Mr. Bryan McNeal, Jr. Delores has dedicated over 28 years to the Smith-McNeal family, contributing her talents in diverse capacities.
Delores is an active member of Shiloh AME Church, where she has served on the Trustee Board and directed various choirs both within the church and in the Edisto District. She also served as a Sunday School teacher and served as the instructor for the Sunday children’s sermons. Her commitment to community extends to her membership in the Charleston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., where she lends her voice to the Delta Tones. She also contributed her talents for over 30 years to the Choraliers Music Club of Charleston, SC.
Though retired, Delores remains deeply engaged in various pursuits. Her love for teaching finds expression through substitute teaching at the CDA Charter School. Additionally, she participates in MUSC’s standardized patient program, collaborating with 1st and 2nd-year medical students. Delores stays connected with her alma mater, Allen University, through active involvement in the Alumni Association. She also maintains strong ties with her graduating class, the Burke High School Class of 1960.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Delores finds joy in her passions for reading, music, and assisting the unhoused community.
Delores cherishes her family deeply, finding immense joy in the love and bond they share. Her daughter Dawn and son-in-law Michael hold a special place in her heart, as do her sister Joan and brother-in-law Russ. Delores also adores her niece Brandis and grandnephew Elijah, relishing in the precious moments spent with each of them.
She finds inspiration in her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path."For three decades, Delores dedicated herself to shaping young minds within the Charleston Public School System, leaving an indelible mark as both an elementary and middle school educator. Her passion and commitment were recognized with nominations for Teacher of the Year at Haut Gap Middle School in 1980 and 1990. Throughout her tenure, she garnered numerous accolades, including plaques, certificates, and honors, for her exceptional and unwavering service to the teaching profession.
Delores embarked on her second career journey at Harleston-Boags Funeral Home, under the guidance of Mr. Grippon Boags. Later, she transitioned to Wm. Smith Funeral Home, now known as Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, where she joined Mr. Bryan McNeal, Jr. Delores has dedicated over 28 years to the Smith-McNeal family, contributing her talents in diverse capacities.
Delores is an active member of Shiloh AME Church, where she has served on the Trustee Board and directed various choirs both within the church and in the Edisto District. She also served as a Sunday School teacher and served as the instructor for the Sunday children’s sermons. Her commitment to community extends to her membership in the Charleston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., where she lends her voice to the Delta Tones. She also contributed her talents for over 30 years to the Choraliers Music Club of Charleston, SC.
Though retired, Delores remains deeply engaged in various pursuits. Her love for teaching finds expression through substitute teaching at the CDA Charter School. Additionally, she participates in MUSC’s standardized patient program, collaborating with 1st and 2nd-year medical students. Delores stays connected with her alma mater, Allen University, through active involvement in the Alumni Association. She also maintains strong ties with her graduating class, the Burke High School Class of 1960.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Delores finds joy in her passions for reading, music, and assisting the unhoused community.
Delores cherishes her family deeply, finding immense joy in the love and bond they share. Her daughter Dawn and son-in-law Michael hold a special place in her heart, as do her sister Joan and brother-in-law Russ. Delores also adores her niece Brandis and grandnephew Elijah, relishing in the precious moments spent with each of them.
She finds inspiration in her favorite scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path."

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Ms. Cynthia Swinton

Female Attendant / Driver

Cynthia Swinton, a native of Awendaw, S.C. is employed at South Carolina State Ports Authority. She attends Greater Zion A.M.E. Church. She is a graduate of Wando High School and South Carolina State University, where she received a B.S. Degree in Health and Physical Education.

Cynthia enjoys singing, dancing and helping others in her community. In her spare time, she assist as a Female Attendant/Driver for W.M. Smith-McNeal Funeral Home.
Cynthia enjoys singing, dancing and helping others in her community. In her spare time, she assist as a Female Attendant/Driver for W.M. Smith-McNeal Funeral Home.
Cynthia enjoys singing, dancing and helping others in her community. In her spare time, she assist as a Female Attendant/Driver for Smith-McNeal Funeral Home & Chapel.

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Mrs. Willette Alston-Hockaday

Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer, Licensed Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer #4591

Colonel(R) Willette Alston-Hockaday is a native of Awendaw, South Carolina and the youngest daughter of the late Rev William and Minnie Alston. Willette received her undergraduated degree from Johnson C. Smith University and where she was also commission as an Adjutant General Second Lieutenant in the US Army in August, 1997.
Upon graduating from the Adjutant General Officer Basic Course in 1998, COL(R) Alston- Hockaday was assigned to Heidelberg, Germany where she served as the Executive Officer for 510 th Personnel Service Battalion, Bravo Company Battalion, and later Chief Personnel Admin for Headquarters and Headquarters Company (DISCENT), Campbell Barracks, Heidelberg, Germany. After completing the Adjutant General Officer Advanced Course in 2002, she attended the Combined Arms and Services Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
After completing the Combined Arms and Service Staff School, COL (R)Alston-Hockaday was assigned to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), in Raleigh, North Carolina where she served as the Operation Officers from June 200 to July 2004. COL(R) Alston-Hockaday was then assigned to the 3 rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA as the Division G1 Officer Manager from July 2004 to August 2005. She then commanded Bravo Company, 3 rd Service Support Battalion, 3 rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart from August 2005 to July 2006. After company command, she was assigned to the Atlanta Recruiting Battalion, Smyrna, GA where she served as the Battalion S1 from July 2006 to June 2008. COL(R)Alston-Hockaday later served as the Battalion Executive Officer for Columbia Recruiting Battalion, Fort Jackson, SC from July 2008 to June 2010.
COL(R) Alston-Hockaday served as the Brigade S1, 3 rd Brigade, 3 rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning GA from July 2011 to June 2013. She then was assigned to the Pentagon as The Special Assistance to Army of the Director Staff, Washington, DC from July 2013-June 2015. COL (R)Alston-Hockaday served as Professor of Military Science, at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff, Arkansas from July 2015 to May 2017. She then commanded 6 th Battalion and the Military Entrance Processing Station, Chicago from June 2017 to June 2019.
COL(R)Alston-Hockaday academic degrees include Bachelor of Art Degree in Public Relations from the Johnson C. Smith University in (1997), a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University (2002) and Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College (2020).
COL(R)Alston-Hockaday’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
COL(R)Alston-Hockaday is married to Virgil and the proud parents of six children.

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Mr. Bobby C. Coakley

Male Attendant/Courier

Bobby, the son of Mr. Robert B. Coakley and Mrs. Rosalee Coakley was born, July 24, 1959. He is a 1977 graduate of Wando High School and a 1979 graduate of Denmark Technical College. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1980 and served his country honorably until 1986.
In 1982 he married the former Cynthia M. Frazier. He has known her for 50 years and they have been married for 41 years. Their union has been blessed with four children and three grandchildren. He is a proud father.
With a passion for repairing ships and submarines at an early age, he gained employment at Detyens
Shipyard. He worked there for 27 years, retiring, February 2015. In his retirement, he loves serving others in their time of bereavement.
He is a member of Long Point Missionary Baptist Church where he serves on the Executive Board of Deacons.
Newly elected chairman of the Deacon Ministry in 2021. Its purpose is “Teaching the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, so that men and women will discover their purpose and destiny, becoming equipped to live a balanced, productive, and prosperous life:
One of his favorite scriptures is:
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct the path”.In 1982 he married the former Cynthia M. Frazier. He has known her for 50 years and they have been married for 41 years. Their union has been blessed with four children and three grandchildren. He is a proud father.
With a passion for repairing ships and submarines at an early age, he gained employment at Detyens
Shipyard. He worked there for 27 years, retiring, February 2015. In his retirement, he loves serving others in their time of bereavement.
He is a member of Long Point Missionary Baptist Church where he serves on the Executive Board of Deacons.
Newly elected chairman of the Deacon Ministry in 2021. Its purpose is “Teaching the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, so that men and women will discover their purpose and destiny, becoming equipped to live a balanced, productive, and prosperous life:
One of his favorite scriptures is:
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct the path”.

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Ms. Patricia Ann Comfort-Capers

Office Administrator

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Ms. Fran Hollington

Funeral Director Apprentice #4442

Fran Hollington is a Charleston native. She graduated from Gordon H. Garrett Academy of Technology and completed the Funeral Service program of study at Piedmont Technical College. She is a member of Greater St. Luke A.M.E. Church, located in Charleston, SC. She has over twenty (20) years of banking experience. She enjoys reading, bowling, and spending time with her family.

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Mrs. Lisa S. King

Office Administrator

Mrs. Lisa S. King, joined the staff in January 2021, as a new journey, after retiring from a 38 year career in the field of Computer Technology. It has been a long dream to work in this industry with helping others as they make final arrangements for their loved ones.

Lisa believes in giving back to the community by volunteering her time and service in the following organizations: Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission, where she as been appointed to serve as a Commissioner for the past 18 years; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she is active on the local, regional and national levels; The Charleston (SC) Chapter of The Links Incorporated where she currently serves as the chapter President; and Ladies Enriching The Community, (LETC, INC.) a non-profit 501 (c) 3 entity - where she serves as the Financial Secretary for the board. Lisa is also actively involved where she worships with the Johns Island Church of Christ. Lisa received her Bachelor degree from the University of South Carolina and her Masters from Webster University.

She is married to Mr. John W. King, and they are the proud parents of a blended family.
Lisa believes in giving back to the community by volunteering her time and service in the following organizations: Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission, where she as been appointed to serve as a Commissioner for the past 18 years; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated where she is active on the local, regional and national levels; The Charleston (SC) Chapter of The Links Incorporated where she currently serves as the chapter President; and Ladies Enriching The Community, (LETC, INC.) a non-profit 501 (c) 3 entity - where she serves as the Financial Secretary for the board. Lisa is also actively involved where she worships with the Johns Island Church of Christ. Lisa received her Bachelor degree from the University of South Carolina and her Masters from Webster University.

She is married to Mr. John W. King, and they are the proud parents of a blended family.

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Ms. Breelyn McNeal

Vital Records Administrator

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Miss Madison Reed

Funeral Director/Embalmer Apprentice

Madison Reed is a native of Georgetown, South Carolina, and a graduate of Coastal Carolina University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health. With a passion for serving others, she believes that public health and funeral service share a common purpose: providing compassionate care, dignity, and support to individuals and families during life’s most meaningful moments. Madison currently serves at Smith-McNeal Funeral Home as a dual-licensed Apprentice, where she is committed to learning, growing, and honoring the lives of those entrusted to her care. Through her work, she strives to support families with empathy, professionalism, and a genuine heart for service.

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Mr. Robert Wilson