Mary Ann Hollingshead

Mary Ann Hollingshead broke the mold on January 24, 1943, when she was born to the late Alma and Frederick Schmid in San Antonio, Texas. Being an only child of German American decent, she lived a charmed life and loved grandly. After a long battle with cancer, she went to live with our Lord and Savior on June 20, 2023, at the age of 80.

Mary Ann graduated summa cum laude with a double major from Trinity University in only 3 years and then went on to receive her masters. About this time, she discovered her talent with a paint brush and her gift of art.

If Mary Ann thought that her paintings made her happy, then the next chapter would become one of her most beautiful canvases. Mary Ann fell deeply in love with a guy named William ‘Bill’ Hollingshead. Bills parents were happily surprised when he brought home this really good girl to meet them. She and Bill were married June 24, 1966. Their love story included their two grown sons Scott Hollingshead of San Antonio and Kirk Hollingshead of Houston. They traveled the world with family and friends and even accumulated new friends along the way. It was not uncommon for Mary Ann to host a dinner party where guests were seated for a 10pm dinner that would last into the wee hours of the morning. It was a common occurrence for her to dangle a spoon or two from her nose and/or invite last minute strangers to join them. One of her happy places was Port Aransas, Texas. She was a consummate hostess, filling their beach house with friends and family. Bill may or may not have begged her on occasion to have a quiet weekend here and there.

Mary Ann rarely did things on a small scale. If she did it, it was going to be grandiose. This was evident one afternoon at her beloved Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. The same church her grandmother attended in 1916 and Mary Ann attended for all 80 years of her life. A friend commented to her that one of Mary Ann’s cross paintings would perfectly adorn the wall at the church of the CLC. Mary Ann contemplated this proposal and then replied that one painting would not work. She preceded to paint 8 crosses, in which the largest one spanned over 13 feet tall. She gifted these among other paintings to the church for all to enjoy. Every painting she painted over her career, had a Godly message. She claimed that it wasn’t her talent and she was just portraying the light of God. Her art is now displayed all over the United States and beyond, with galleries in LA, NY, Paris and Venice showing her work.

Mary Ann loved her garden almost as much as she loved her family. Flowers, upon flowers, upon flowers were found in her home and garden. She and Bill bought their home in Terrell Hills in 1967 and remained there until her final move to heaven. She was quite a community fixture. Greeting the children at the bus stop with after school snacks, Halloween parties for all to join, meeting strangers at the Christmas Eve church service and inviting them to join her family for Christmas Day, providing meals for Wounded Warriors, leading neighborhood Bible studies, hosting garden clubs, and inviting all the family for the world’s best Easter lunch and egg hunt. Her generosity had no boundaries.

Three of her biggest blessings and proudest accomplishments were her grandchildren. Parker and Chappell Hollingshead, children of Scott and Brandi Hollingshead. Jeannie Hollingshead, daughter of Kirk Hollingshead. She absolutely adored them and was active trying to win best Grandmother award. A highlight from their childhood was when she would have an annual scavenger hunt in the sand dunes in Port Aransas with buried chests and treasure to call their own.

When Mary Ann lost Bill to cancer in 2009, she wondered what she would ever do again. Little did she know, friends were about to introduce her to James ‘Jim’ Summitt who was also widowed. This friendship led to marriage in 2014. She and Jim had 9 years of laughter, travels, fun or more social events than you can imagine.

Mary Ann is survived by James Summitt, Scott and Brandi Hollingshead, Parker Hollingshead, Chappell Hollingshead, Kirk Hollingshead, Jeannie Hollingshead, Carrie Summitt, JB and Minna Summitt, William Summitt and numerous other family members.

Mary Ann absolutely loved people, parties, attention and crowds and would be so pleased with the outpouring of love and prayers at this time. She loved well and therefore was well loved.

Honorary Pallbearers:Scott Hollingshead, Kirk Hollingshead, Parker Hollingshead, Bill Buck, Tom Egbert, Bobby Zintgraff, Bruce James, Paul Martin, Chuck Seider, Gil Price, John Tucker, Keith Martin, Jake West, Ross Martin and J. B. Summitt.

A celebration of life will be 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, 925 E. Basse Road, San Antonio, Tx 78209.

For those who are unable to join in person, please click this link to view the live stream to still be a part of the service from home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of these three organizations ~

Young Life LoneHollow Ranch Camp-https://giving.younglife.org/LHRCapital

St. Andrew’s Church and SchoolIn memory of Mary Ann HollingsheadAtt. Community Chaplain722 RobinhoodSan Antonio, Tx 78209

Alamo Heights United Methodist ChurchIn Memory of Mary Ann Hollingshead825 E. Basse RoadSan Antonio, Tx 78209