Mary Ann Morrison O’Neill age 86, died June 24, 2017 in Beaumont, Texas. A native of Fairfield, Iowa, she was born April 20, 1931, to Agnes Brum and F. V. Morrison and was a longtime resident of Beaumont, moving there at the age of 12 during World War II. After graduating from St. Anthony High School she furthered her education, earning a Registered Nurse Certification from Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, Louisiana. She continued her education, receiving both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Masters of Education Degree from Lamar University.
Her distinctive calling, as a good and faithful servant, led to her career path which included positions as school nurse, hospital nurse and special education teacher. This calling included being a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at both St. Anne and St. Jude Parish churches. She extended herself to others both through her volunteer work for The Julie Rogers Gift of Life organization, and to the numerous recipients of her exceptional culinary talents which included cooking and baking. She was also an accomplished seamstress.
She was united in marriage to John Patrick O’Neill, Jr. on September 27, 1952, in Assumption Parish. She is survived by her children, Martha Hood and her husband, Hugh of Waco, Pat O’Neill and his wife, Darlene of Beaumont and Chris O’Neill and his wife, Julie of Humble; grandchildren, Katie O’Neill Baker and her husband, Clarke of Beaumont, Molly O’Neill Jenkins and her husband, Bo of College Station, Elizabeth O’Neill and Sarah O’Neill, both of Humble and great-granddaughters Olivia O’Neill and Mary Grace Baker. She is also survived by other loving family members and special friends including Catherine Anne Morrison, Margaret Levert, Lucy Morgan, and Joyce Langlas. The family gives special thanks to her caretaker, Sandy Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, grandparents, parents, and brothers Charles and Richard Morrison.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26, 2017, with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., at Broussard’s Mortuary - McFaddin, 2000 McFaddin Avenue in Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with a gathering to follow. A private family committal service will follow, with interment at Oak Bluff Cemetery, Port Neches. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Catholic School, 375 North 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702-1834.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant”!
