Mary Ann Schlein

Mary Ann Kemp Schlein was born October 18, 1943 in Throckmorton, Texas and died on July 16, 2016. She is survived by her sons, Stephen and wife Beverly Schlein of Houston, Texas and Grayden Schlein also of Houston; brother Charles Kemp and wife Kathy of Lake Charles, LA; sister, Lynne Ballard of Midland, TX, and sister-in-law Theresa Kemp of Arlington. Her grandchildren were a special source of joy, twins Alex and Patrick Schlein, Britney and Rachel Schlein and Morgan Flores, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mae and father Hillman, two brothers, John and Bobby Kemp and one sister, Sharon Powell.

She began her career at Dryden’s Department Store in Groves, Texas as a women’s fashion and fur buyer, purchasing from Dallas and New York. A few years later she moved to Houston and began working for the world-acclaimed Neiman-Marcus. Mary Ann enjoyed many successes while there and was recognized by senior management on a regular basis. She and store manager, Ed Bodde hosted many successful and lavish sales promotions and events, including the only Fortnight ever held outside the Corporate store in Dallas, TX, honoring the country of Austria.

After six years at Neiman-Marcus, Mary Ann began working for Saks Fifth Avenue, as a management level executive overseeing all customer service and general office responsibilities. She remained at Saks for just over 12 years where she again had the opportunity to partner with Ed Bodde and Michael Hinz.

Moving on from there, Mary Ann continued her career as manager of Jacques Antiques in River Oaks, where she began to absorb as much as possible about French antiques. She spent four years there before the store closed and she had a chance encounter with Mrs. Chesnick of the Ethan Allen family of furniture and style. Mary Ann was hired by the Chesnick family as a salesperson and designer at Ethan Allen - in spite of the fact that she admitted she knew not how to measure for draperies, flooring or wallpaper. You bet she learned! She loved her career at Ethan Allen, and gave it up reluctantly when she became too ill to work. Some of her many clients and associates became her friends during the various projects and have remained her cherished and devoted friends. She continued to work independently when possible and touched many lives and homes with her beautiful designs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Citizens for Animal Protection (CAPS), 17555 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094