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BORN
1937
DIED
2023
Mary Selman Obituary
Mary Jean Cook Selman died peacefully on May 24, 2023. A native of Atlanta, she was born on July 26, 1937, to the late B. Frank Cook and Louise Theus Cook. Her family moved to Albany, Georgia, when she was in the third grade, and she graduated from Albany High School in the class of 1955.
Mary Jean received a degree from the University of Alabama in the College of Human Environmental Sciences in 1959, and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She was also a member of the American Association of University of Women and Cotillion Club.
A longtime member of the Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, she served on the Administrative Board and volunteered at the Dogwood Shop. She enjoyed conducting tours at the Governor's Mansion during the administration of both Govenors Perdue and Deal.
Mary Jean's quiet way endeared her to her family and friends, whom she loved so much. Since she was an only child, these people were very important to her. Entertaining family and friends at their villa at St. Simons, and their house at Lake Lanier, was one of her favorite things to do. She also loved flowers, and was a longtime member of the Riverridge Garden Club, where she served as treasurer for over 25 years. Mary Jean showed her true hospitality by delivering flowers to the new babies, and new neighbors, in Carlton Woods neighborhood where she lived.
She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Benjamin Thomas Selman, Jr. She is survived by her son, Benjamin Thomas Selman, II (Susan); daughter, Mary Louise Hanlon (David); son, Frank Cook Selman; granddaughters, Elizabeth Selman Rudd (Cameron), Julia Selman Gleason (Michael), Ashley Cook Hanlon; grandson, Benjamin Locke Hanlon; and great-grandson, Parker Thomas Rudd. The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful and loving care provided by Agnes Owusu during the past 4+ years.
There will be a graveside service Friday, May 26, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at the Arlington Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the home of Ben and Susan Selman. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, The Chastain Park Conservancy, or charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Selman
1 Entry
Katie Breese
February 23, 2025
The last time I spoke with Mary Jean, she was asking what I knew of the Theus lineage. Her mother Ann Louise Theus Cook was my husband´s aunt. Mary Jean was his first cousin.
I now have finished a 300- year story of the Theus family, from the first Swiss immigrants to the British colony of South Carolina in 1735, to their westward settlement in Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
If anyone is interested in this epic journey, I would be so happy to provide it.
I am trying to get the full names of Mary Jean´s children´s families and their dates to include in the family tree.
You can contact me by phone or text: 601-832-1081; by email at ahoykt1@gmail .com or by mail, 110 Hoylake Dr. Jackson. MS 39211.
You have cousins, Jim Theus and his sister Helen Theus Gregory, who are your first cousins once removed -their children (and mine) are your second cousins and their kids are 3rd cousins to your children. A bunch are in Atlanta and the rest in Louisiana. Sounds like a party.
My best wishes and love to you all. I hope we may meet someday.
Sincerely,
Katie Trimble Breese (Mrs Frank C Breese III)
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