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Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans
Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans
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Mary Semans Obituary
Her daughter, Rebecca Trent Kirkland, said the Durham, N.C., resident died Wednesday at Duke Hospital.
She was the great-granddaughter of Washington Duke, a Confederate soldier who returned home after the Civil War and planted a crop of tobacco. With his sons, Duke helped build the worldwide popularity of cigarettes. He also endowed a small Methodist college that would become Duke University."
"She was our principal link to Duke's founding generation and continued her family's tradition of benevolence throughout her life," Duke University President Richard H. Brodhead said. "She supported every good thing at this university, and she was a powerful force for good in Durham and the Carolinas."
She was elected to the Durham City Council in 1951, becoming the mayor pro tem two years later. From 1961 to 1981, she served as a trustee at Duke University.
Semans was a patron of the arts and charities, as well as a crusader for equal rights for women. For decades, she helped run The Duke Endowment, a Charlotte-based foundation founded by her great uncle, James B. Duke.
She also was a longtime trustee of Lincoln Community Hospital, a Durham facility her family started in 1901 to serve the needs of black patients.
Semans was born in 1920 to Mary Lillian Duke and Anthony Drexel Biddle, Jr., a U.S. Army general who later served as ambassador to Poland and Spain. She and her family divided their time between her parents' country estate in Irvington-on-Hudson and their Fifth Avenue mansion in New York City, across from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
At age 14, she moved from Manhattan to Durham to live with her grandmother. She enrolled at Duke University at age 15 and studied art history, graduating in 1939.
W hile in college, she met and married medical student Josiah Charles Trent, who later became the chief thoracic surgeon at Duke Hospital. They had four daughters before Trent died of cancer at age 34.
In 1953, she married Dr. James Semans, a surgeon and associate professor of urology at Duke. They had three children. In the 1960s, they helped lead the establishment of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Dr. Semans died in 2005 at age 94.
A funeral service is planned for 2 p.m. Jan. 30 at Duke Chapel.
MICHAEL BIESECKER/Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
52 Entries
Sarah Jones
January 6, 2024
I met this kind woman on one occasion. She was a very warm person. I wish we had a chance to get to know each other. She was beautiful, inside and out!!!
Scott W. Trent Jr.
March 19, 2012
While I never got to meet her, would have loved to if I could have gotten to Durham to so do. I have researched her family along with my own Trent connections, so I feel like I knew her. She had a long and good life and I'm sure she will be greatly missed. She and Mr. Trent were both members of a long and proud family! Sorry to hear of her death and my thoughts and prayers are with all of her remaining family members!
Patsy Aldred
February 24, 2012
I met Mrs. Semans as a result of a mutual friend back in the 1970's, Dot King. Every time I have seen Mrs. Seamans through the years at different eateries in Durham or at events, I've made it a point to re-introduce myself to her. She never seemed to be too busy to stop and chat with me for a minute and was always warm and gracious. Even when I would see her at the Duke Wellness Center, she was a role model to us all seeing her exercise and personally gave me encouragement! I will never forget her kindness.
Reid's
February 9, 2012
To the MARY DUKE BRIDDLE TRENT SEMANS family, we send our condolences to all. We are alumnus (74 & 80) of the University North Carolina School of the Arts and have fond memories of your mother and father. We parted the seas when we saw them walk through the campus becasue we knew how much they meant to the school and to the staff & students. My husband and friends in the music dept. had many conversations with your parents when they would visited the school.
It brings much sadness to the arts community near and far. Please continue their legacy!!!
Gerard & Vivian
How you can show support
ROBERT BULLOCK
February 5, 2012
TO ALL OF MARY DUKE BRIDDLE TRENT SEMANS YOUR MOTHER WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST LADY`S THAT ANYONE GOOD HAVE KNOWN SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY WE AS ALL BOARD MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLINESS THE STATE OFFICE LOVED HER SHE HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR SO MANY PEOPLE RALEIGH NC
Charlotte Johnston
February 3, 2012
She was a role model and way ahead of her time. Mary Semans brought joy to all who met her. She will be missed.
Charlotte Watson Johnston
Rosalie Brillante
February 2, 2012
We lifted your family up in prayer this morning here at Charlotte Rescue Mission regarding the loss of your beloved Mother. I know she will be sorely missed and has left an amazing legacy as well as heritage within our state. We are very grateful for her work. You must be very proud.
Our loving Lord be with you during this difficult time.
February 1, 2012
Mrs. Semans was a phenomenal direct connection to Washington, James, and her grandfather, Benjamin Duke. An unforgettable woman, she was kind, insightful, intelligent, and historically significant. Duke and Durham are better as a result of her. With a single meeting, one would feel you had known her forever.
Nancy Houser
January 31, 2012
A woman who is beyond words, Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans will be more than missed. She was an icon of gentleness, honor, human caring and responsibility that the world has so few of. Rest in peace, Mary. Do good works above as you did below.
G S
January 30, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I thank God for her. she gave herself to people she had never met. you all are blessed to have a caring mother like that. I DID TOO.
Jeanne Werner Gunter & Katie Gunter
January 29, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mary Semans. She remembered everyone. She would know your name before we offered it. She was kind, comforting, and gracious to many. Her presence made the world a better place.
James M Williams
January 29, 2012
To Mary Trent Jones and Sarah and Becky: I very clearly remember your mom's kindness to me during my years at Calvert School. I also clearly remember her kindness and support of my mom (Lola Williams) as a teacher at Calvert. She has always been a very special lady in my book. Sincere condolences, Jim Williams, Denver CO
Linda Pressner-Freedman
January 29, 2012
So sorry to hear of your loss. Every time we met she was very kind and welcoming to us. She was, as they say on Broadway, an angle to so many charities and organizations We will remember her fondly. Max & Linda Pressner Freedman
Edith Lee
January 28, 2012
Dear Beth...my condolences to you and your family. I know you will miss her, but remember your Mom's legacy lives on...in you! May the Peace and Love of The Almighty comfort you at this time. (Cookie, from the Mews) 0:-)
January 28, 2012
There has not been a greater lady as ambassador locally or away than this wonderful woman was. She defined grace, spirit, and of course..perky...We loved her. She seemed to love all of us. My heart goes to Beth and Jenny and James...as well to Gary who also loved her so much.
Anne
B. B.
January 28, 2012
To the family of Mrs. Mary D. T. Semans, my prayers are with you during your time of bereavement. May each of you find comfort in each other and may the God of tender mercies grant each of you peace of mind, strength and endurance.
January 28, 2012
Dear Jenny and family -
My condolences on your loss.
Kate Gilman Kane
January 28, 2012
Dear Jenny and family -
My condolences on your loss.
Sarah Simon
January 28, 2012
Dear Jenny, Beth and James,
I wanted to let you know how much your mother meant to me and to our whole family. She inspired us to become better people and to seek fuller lives. Our strong, generous, and loving leader is gone and will be missed. Her place can never be filled.
Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Love,
Wash
Bennie Roney Hall
January 28, 2012
I was so blessed to have known this wonderful, personable lady. Our world will so miss her marvelous smile, generosity and love of her fellow man.
Bennie Roney Hall
(Great Grand Niece of Artelia Roney, Mary's Great Grandmother)
Bonnie Blue Crouse
January 28, 2012
A great loss. My sympathy goes out to all of the family, friends and loved ones who will miss her terribly. The brightness of her spirit illuminated the lives of many who will continue to remember her grace and generosity. Rest in peace, Mary.
Edgar Lee
January 27, 2012
Sorry to hear of the loss of a loved one and a great lady to many. I am a cousin from Washington Duke brother James Duke of Tenn. He was my g,g,grandfather and we have a large family and a lot of them I have never met. But God bless us all as we will all have a great homecoming when we meet in heaven.
Jane
January 27, 2012
I so enjoyed her interviews with Charlie Rose and others. Engaging with classic sweetness and brilliance.
Growing up Durham, I loved to see the pink estate in Forest Hills. Pass the Duke Mansion in New York many times.
Touching many lives and leaving a legacy for us all.
ROBERT BULLOCK
January 27, 2012
BETH I AM VEARY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER SHE WAS A GREAT LADY WHO HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR THE ARTS AND FOR DUKE AND FOR HER SERVICES TO LINCOLN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL DURHAM HAS REALLY LOST A GREAT LADY ROBERT BULLOCK NAMI WAKE BOARD MEMBER ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLINESS
January 27, 2012
Sally Harris, I am so sorry for your loss, it sounds like your mom was a wonderful lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Rebecca/ South Park Animal Hospital
January 27, 2012
Sally Harris- I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your mom was a wonderful lady. You are in my thoughts and prayers. sincerely, Rebecca/South Park Animal Hospital
Kelly Hurley
January 27, 2012
Beth, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
william austin
January 27, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with All the Family
January 27, 2012
I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
Gates, GA
January 27, 2012
A fine human being and a lovely lady.
Karen in Florida
Ann Marshall Hunt
January 27, 2012
May God give you peace and comfort knowing what a great lady she was.
Cynthia and marcela Azpilcueta
January 27, 2012
- "The pain we feel at this moment is very large, but the love we feel for you will be even greater because you're alive / in our hearts forever. We love you mary.
Teri Noel Towe
January 27, 2012
I mourn the death and give thanks for the life of Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans. She was a splendid human being, a treasured friend of my parents and of mine, a passionate lover of music and the arts, a committed advocate of fairness and civil rights. God bless her and keep her. She will indeed be missed by all who knew her and by untold numbers who did not but who have benefited from her compassion and philanthropy.
Cynthia and marcela Azpilcueta
January 26, 2012
we love you and miss you mary.
Rick Newton
January 26, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans. She and her family was one of the "founding fathers" of this great state of North Carolina. My sympathies to the family.
Rick Newton
Robin White
January 26, 2012
To the Trent & Semans families: Thank you to your families for your contributions to society. I am sorry for your loss. I pray that your families will be comforted by the good memories & knowing that God will be there to help you all during this difficult time.
Lona Faye Duke Bows
January 26, 2012
My sympathies to the family.
Lona Faye Duke Bows
James Millsaps
January 26, 2012
My condolences to the family. Mary, thank you for all you did for the state of North Carolina and your other great devotions. May you rest in peace. My sympathy to the entire family!
Harts
January 26, 2012
Our condolences to Ms. Seman's family,
May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you all. With deep sympathy
dee
January 26, 2012
Beth,
Our hearts go out to you as we continue to keep you in our Prayers ~ May God Bless you & your family as you hold close the cherished memories of your Mom. May she Rest In Peace ...
All our Love,
dee & francesca
Thurletta Brown-Gavins
January 26, 2012
I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Semans during my tenure in Duke Undergraduate Admissions. She was warm and very personable...a gracious lady who touched my heart.
The Duke community has suffered a great loss.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to her family. May God hold you in His arms and give you peace.
Victoria&Andrew
January 26, 2012
Godbless you RIP~MARY~
Sending out our Condolences
to your Family&Friends'
Ellen Lindblad
January 26, 2012
Rest in peace Mary. You have made the world a better place. Condolences to family and friends.
CAROLYN
January 26, 2012
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY! THANK YOU
FOR ALL THAT YOU DID TO HELP OTHERS.
Claudine
January 26, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one, Death is not what our creator intended for mankind. May you find comfort in the memories you shared together and know that in the near future the sting of death will be removed forever and sorrow will be no more.~Hosea 13:14
Anthony Mitchell
January 26, 2012
My warm heart and deep love to the family and close friends of such a caring and inspirational woman. Mary will be fondly thought of and dearly missed until God resurrects her to perfect human health on the paradise earth to come
Mrs. Brona Vest
January 26, 2012
People often forget those who make it their life's ambition to help others and to make the world around them a better place for everyone. What would NC be without these founding families?. May God continue to Bless your family.
January 26, 2012
There is no replacement for this generous lady who showed such sweet spirit and strength. Susie Ruth Powell
Maureen W
January 26, 2012
Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord. May God's comforting blessing rain down upon your family in this time of grief.
Helen Heath
January 26, 2012
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mary. Although I didn't know her; I admired her loving and giving to North Carolina's Duke, Lincoln Community Hospital and her service to others. Please convey my sympathy to Mary's family. May God bless.
John g
January 26, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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