Mary Ann Molpus O'Neal

DURHAM – Mary Ann Molpus O’Neal, age 90, died peacefully at The Forest at Duke on May 18, 2025. She was born in Camden, Arkansas on October 7, 1934 to the late R. Grady and Lucille Molpus of Austin, Texas.

Mary Ann grew up in Arkansas and Texas, attending the University of Texas Austin and graduating in 1955 with a B.B.A. in Accounting. She was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and Beta Alpha Psi, honorary accounting fraternity. Mary Ann lived with her family in California, Hawaii, New York and Virginia before settling in Signal Mountain / Chattanooga, TN area. She then moved to Durham, NC a decade ago to be closer to her grown family.

Mary Ann was an avid adventurer who visited many places throughout the world traveling with friends she made throughout her lifetime. Besides being a traveler, she was also a pilot licensed to fly single engine airplanes. She had a life-long interest in antique furniture influenced by her parents, along with interest in music and various types of needlework.

Mary Ann was a beloved mother and grandmother, a loyal friend and community volunteer who will be missed by those in her orbit.

Mary Ann is survived by her son and his wife, David and Susan O’Neal of Chapel Hill, NC, and her daughter and her husband, Leigh and Alec Fernandez of Durham, NC. She is also survived by her three granddaughters, Elise Fernandez (Bo Hansen) of Ann Arbor, MI, Olivia Fernandez of Durham, NC and Sofia Fernandez of New York, NY.

In lieu of flowers a contribution may be made to the charity of your choice. Private family service and interment will be in Austin, Texas.

The O’Neal family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.