A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019 in the chapel of Striffler- Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus GA, at 2:00 p.m. and visitation with the family from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Michael Stewart, Chaplain of Piedmont Columbus Regional Health Care System, will be officiating.
Jean Molnar was born August 16th, 1932 in Birmingham, AL., and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was daughter of the late Mr. Foster Edward and Sudie Dowdell Thomas.
In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Edmund McDonald Molnar, Sr. and her brother, Foster Edward Thomas, Jr.
Survivors include her daughter, Suzanne Molnar Ruffner of Columbus GA., son, Dr. E. Mac Molnar, Jr. and his wife, Vicki of Columbus GA., and daughter, Kathryn Molnar and her husband, Al Stevens of St. Paul, MN.; ten grandchildren and their spouses, Candler Ruffner (Courtney), Cullen Ruffner (Stephanie), Caitlyn, Allison and Jillian Molnar, David Larsen (Karla), and Sarah Larsen (Katie), Winona, Alex, and Mac Stevens; eight great grandchildren, Anyna and Callie Bowers, Connor and McKenzie Ruffner, Riley and Travis Larsen, Jayden and Max Stevens; six nephews, Trey, Jamie and Howard Thomas, Atlas, Orbie, and Tim Molnar and one niece, Marie Molnar Yelvington as well as numerous great nephews and nieces. Also, special companions Angel Moore and Geneva Fortson.
Jean attended Auburn University and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She graduated in 1954 with a BS in Medical Technology. While at Auburn, she met E. Mac Molnar and they were married shortly after her graduation. Together they moved to New Orleans, LA where they began a lifelong service as a medical family. Jean worked in the field of medicine as a medical technologist for many years.
Jean and Mac Molnar moved to Columbus in 1962 and joined St. Luke United Methodist Church where Jean sang in the choir. Jean was remembered for her love of the arts and countless contributions to civic organizations in the community. She was president of The Columbus New Comer's Club, Local and State President of Junior Women's Club and President of the Muscogee County Medical Society Alliance. Jean was a long time Girl Scout troop leader and won a Lifetime Achievement award for her dedication to that organization. She was instrumental in the early success of the Springer Children's Theater and served as the chairman of the board for several years.
A talented artist in her own right, Jean was a painter, a sculptor and creator of original porcelain figurines and a gifted seamstress. She was an avid art collector and was a patron of many local artists. Her passion for art led her to co-create the Columbus Square Art Show which brought accomplished artists from all over the country to show in Columbus annually.
In 1980, Jean Molnar and her talented friends Sharon Langley and Jean Raines were dubbed "The Designing Women of Columbus" by the Columbus Ledger Enquirer when they opened Design Galleries, an interior design business specializing in upscale fabric, furniture and home décor. In 1991, she opened Suzanne's Doll House where she became well known for creating original porcelain portrait dolls.
Jean and her husband Mac were world travelers and visited five continents. They toured numerous places including England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece, India, Egypt, China, Kenya, New Zealand and Australia making friends and collecting art from all around the world.
Jean will be most remembered for her dedication to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was very giving, loved to entertain and left her family and friends with many memories of wonderful times together.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Jean Thomas Molnar to the Alzheimer's Association, The Springer Opera House or a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Thomas Molnar family.
