Yvonne (Thornton) Neal, 87 of Manassas, Virginia.

Yvonne's Journey...

Yvonne Thornton Neal was the youngest baby girl, born Thursday, May 19, 1932, in Ashburn, Virginia, to James Edgar and Sarah (Jackson) Thornton.

She received her childhood education at the one-room Colored School in Ashburn, Virginia. As one of the few surviving students, she provided the Loudoun School for Advanced Studies, with historical information through many interviews.  Partaking in those interviews gave Yvonne great joy, and to many she was a local celebrity.  She attended and graduated from Douglass High School, the first accredited black high school in Loudoun County, Virginia.  She later studied nursing at Hampton Institute now known as Hampton University, a historically black college and university in Hampton, Virginia.  She was very humble, but took great pride in her accomplishments and often told stories of her many memories.

Yvonne married Robert C. Neal, Jr. on August 6, 1955, in Washington, DC.  From this union, Yvonne and Robert raised nine children of their own; but their love and nurturing extended beyond their home to many nieces, nephews, friends and later, grandchildren.  She was affectionately called Ms. Yvonne by many, "Granny" by her grandchildren, their friends and other loved ones.

Yvonne was a kind, fun-loving and caring matriarch to her family.  She will be remembered as a nurturing caregiver, especially to the elderly and children; always offering whatever she had to help someone in need.  She proudly served for many years as a troop leader for the Girl Scouts of America in Dunn Loring, Virginia.  She was blessed and will be tremendously missed by all who loved her.  Her faith in Jehovah and love of family carried her through good and bad times.

Yvonne was a dedicated Jehovah's Witness for 30 years, baptized on December 30, 1989, in Crownsville, Maryland.  Her faith was her life.  She was an active member of the Fairfax and Sterling Park Congregations.  After relocating to Manassas, Virginia, in 2013, when her health allowed, she physically attended the Independent Hill Congregation. Thereafter, she cherished her worldwide family of brothers and sisters in the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and attended meetings virtually.

She fell asleep in death on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at Novant Prince William Medical Center in Manassas, Virginia, at the age of 87.  She was blessed to be comforted, virtually, by many of her family members during her final hours.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and 12 of her 13 siblings: John, William, Charles, Earl, Lewis, Silas, Eli and James Thornton; Margaret Walker, Louise Russ, Lee Etta Walker, and Edythe Bowles.

Yvonne leaves to cherish her memory: children, Shirley Harper, Dwight Neal (Thelma), Rachel Muhummad, Robert C. Neal III, Rene Davis (Gregory), Sharon Wilkins (Michael), Frances "Jackie" Lucas (Franklin), Roberta Smith, Dannette Greene (John); 22 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.  In addition, she is survived by her loving baby brother, Leon Thornton, Sr.; two brothers-in-law, Edward C. Neal (Annie) and Ralph H. Neal (Thirza) and a significant number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Yvonne's favorite scripture: Exodus 14:13 Then Moses said to the people: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah that he will perform for you today.  For the Egyptian whom you see today, you will never ever see again"

Viewing, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2020 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Private Service, Thursday, May 7, 2020.  Interment, Pleasant Valley Memorial Park, Annandale, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation or feeding the wonderful staff at Novant Prince William Medical Center ICCU in memory of Yvonne Neal. For more information on how to do so, please contact the Command Center at 703-369-8064, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am-3:30 pm.

The family would like to express our deepest appreciation for the outpouring of support we've received during our bereavement.  May Jehovah continue to bless each one of you!

On Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. click on the link below to view the service live-stream.

Once on the Live Stream Page go to the bottom right side in the corner of the screen where you should see the word "Live" to adjust the audio.

Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream