Mary Ann Dunkum

Born June 22, 1956, in Marlin, Texas and raised there, Mary Ann was fondly called “Mess” by her family and “Auntie Mess” by her nieces and nephews. She liked “MUKNUD” so much (her hospital birth bracelet spelled her last name backwards) it became her “personalized” license plate!

Following high school, Mary Ann became a proud Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frog in the fall of 1974. Pledging the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, she was instantly a part of a special sisterhood of lifelong friends. A fun-loving, outgoing member always up for a road trip, party, or dinner at Joe T’s, she proudly hosted retreats and weekends for friends at her family home in Marlin. After a semester at Texas A&M, she returned to her beloved TCU, graduated in 1978 and soon after beginning a lifelong travel industry career. Mary Ann developed a sterling reputation while enhancing client experience with major companies such as American Express Travel; TravelTrain, American Airlines, BCD Travel, etc.

Traveling was a passion she pursued her whole life most often with family and friends. Mary Ann remained a loyal TCU football fan, attending reunions and games whenever possible.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents Willis Garrett “Bill” Dunkum, Jr. and Barbara Lea Reed Dunkum. She is survived by two brothers; Willis Garrett “Gary” Dunkum III and wife Sumaya of Houston, and Robert Frank “Bob” Dunkum of Marlin; sister, Carol Lea Dunkum Contella and husband Michael of Hewitt; sister-in-law Deborah DeFord Dunkum and aunt, Ann Minnell Reed. Her surviving family also includes nieces, Madeline Dunkum Townsend and husband Chad of Houston; Kinnison Dunkum Bryan and husband Nem of Dripping Springs; nephews, Michael Joseph Contella and Noah Lea Contella of Hewitt; niece, Lydia Lea Contella of Hewitt; two great nieces, Ashley Consolvo Colville and husband Tyler of Austin, Lauren Jean Townsend of Houston; and three great nephews, Colton Garrett Bryan, Chance Jennings Bryan, and Casen Graham Bryan of Dripping Springs. She is also survived by many beloved cousins from both sides of her family.

For a year In 1966-67, Mary Ann’s family hosted (via the American Field Service foreign exchange student program) Rob Dowling of Molong, NSW, Australia and he has remained “family” ever since. Mary Ann’s survivors, then also include Rob, his wife Alex and their son Ashley and wife Natalie Dowling and daughter Missy Dowling together with their respective children.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions, the family suggests Texas Christian University, Jane Chilton Memorial Marlin Public Library, or the church or charity of one’s choice.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Marlin. A reception will follow at The Allen House from 12 - 2:00 p.m. (305 Ward St https://historicallenhouse.com/)