Entertainment

Mary Ryan Ravenel is a South Carolina-based special education teacher and community advocate who is best known as the first wife of Thomas Ravenel, the former South Carolina State Treasurer, Republican Party politician, real estate developer, and Bravo Southern Charm cast member. Mary and Thomas married in 1995 and divorced approximately 13 months later around 1998 — years before his 2007 federal cocaine trafficking conviction, his reality TV career alongside Kathryn Dennis, Craig Conover, and Shep Rose, and his 2018 departure from the show following assault allegations. Mary earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston (founded 1770) and a master’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, then dedicated her career to teaching children with learning disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). She also serves on the board of the Charleston Animal Society, one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in America founded in 1874. This comprehensive biography covers her education, marriage timeline, career in special education, community work, and why she chose purpose over publicity.