September 16, 1940 – March 24, 2024
MANTEO — Mary Ann O’Neal Combs, age 83, of Manteo, NC, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024. She was born on September 16, 1940, in Mt. Airy, NC, to the late Blanche Key O’Neal and Claude O’Neal.
Mary Ann’s life was filled with dedication and service to others. She began her career as a LabTech in Mt. Airy before moving to Wilson, where she was a committed and loving homemaker. Once living in Manteo, she continued her devotion as a homemaker and also worked as a Teacher’s Aide for Dare County Schools, and Sauer’s Spice Company. Her passion for volunteering led her to contribute her time and energy to the Dare County schools and Roanoke Island Festival Park.
In her leisure time, Mary Ann enjoyed a variety of interests including bowling, gambling, reading, and solving puzzles. She had a love for shoes and jewelry and was known for her unique style. Mary Ann also found joy in shopping at pawn shops, traveling, cheering for the Redskins and Atlanta Braves, playing bridge, and good-naturedly teasing her brothers about their favorite sports teams. She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Phi.
Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband, Jerry Carroll Combs, her daughter Amy Hinnant (Tim), and her son Neal Combs (Brandi). Lovingly known as Nana by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others throughout the community, she is survived by her grandchildren Lane Hinnant (Melissa), Breanne Wright, Sammy Jo Saraceni (Tom), and Sydni Midgett (Reed); and great-grandchildren Angelina, Alaina, Jase, Beckett, Olivia, Jackson, Corbin, and Sikora. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Bunker, sisters-in-law Nancy, Eunice, and Marian O’Neal, along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her brothers, Rex, Steve, and Gary O’Neal.
A celebration of Mary Ann’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Twiford Colony Chapel with Pastor Kenny Midgett officiating. Prior to the service, friends and relatives may visit the family at the Combs residence (143 Creefs Ridge Rd, Manteo). Following the service, all are welcome for a reception at the Dare County Shrine Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dare County Shrine Club, Adoration Hospice, Meals on Wheels, or Dare County In-Home Aide Services.
Mary Ann will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on through the love and kindness she shared with those around her. May she rest in peace.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com
