Mary Emma McConaughey

Dr. Mary Emma Welch McConaughey, clinical psychologist, acclaimed singer, and nature lover, died peacefully at home in Druid Hills on December 19th, 2024. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including her husband Dan of 68 years. 

Mary Emma’s first career was as a professional musician. For 15 years she was an outstanding and passionate singer, teacher and opera lover. She starred in numerous concerts and summer musicals, including the Atlanta Pops and Theater under the Stars (Oklahoma, Song of Norway, The Sound of Music). She won a full scholarship to study at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia (1956-57) and was the soloist for the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, Glen Memorial Church (1955-56), St. Phillips Cathedral (1957-59), and the Second Baptist Church (1959-1967) in Atlanta. She performed with the Atlanta Metropolitan Opera, including Il Tabarro, Impresario, the Beggars Opera, The Old Maid and the Thief, Hansel and Gretel, Cosi Fan Tutti, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. In 1966, Mary Emma auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera Company and won first place in Georgia and second place in the Southeast. She was offered a contract to sing for the Met but turned it down to focus on raising her young family. 

Mary Emma’s second career was in psychology. In 1975, she obtained her Masters in Social Work at UGA and was named the head of the Children’s Department at West Mental Health Center (1976-81) and worked with adolescents at Project Spring (1975-83). In 1988, she received a PhD in clinical psychology from Georgia State University after interning for three years at the University of Virginia. She opened a private practice in Atlanta for 23 years, working with families, couples, and groups. She also worked in pain management at the Georgia Pain Center (1988-91). 

Mary Emma was born to Dr. Leonard Lee Welch and Mary Emma (M’Emma) Welch on March 5th, 1935 in Marietta, Georgia. She graduated from Marietta High School in 1952 and Emory University in 1956, where she was in the university’s first coed class. Before her sophomore year, she met Dan E. McConaughey, a naval officer, who on an early date said, “I bet you a dime to a dozen doughnuts that I am going to marry you one day.” The next year they married in Marietta on August 25th, 1956. Daughter Memmi was born the next year (1957) followed by sons Dan Jr. (1959) and Warner (1960). 

Mary Emma cherished her family life, spending weekends and summers at their cabin at Lake Winfield Scott, travelling the world with Dan and their kids, having monthly lunches with her sisters and husband Dan, and taking each grandchild on a unique 12-year old trip. She loved nature and the arts, and oversaw the building of The Falls, the renovation of the Spring House at Lake Winfield Scott, and the creation of the McConaughey Nature Preserve. She treasured her friends, including her French Group, Book Club, and cabin friends. Mary Emma was a loyal friend and mentor to so many, and those who had the privilege of meeting her fondly remember her radiant smile and positive spirit. 

Mary Emma was devoted to the causes she cared about. She founded the Arts Council of Druid Hills (1961-1971), spearheading the Spring Arts Festival at Lullwater Preserve and Callanwolde. She was part of the group that founded the Paideia School; was on the board of the Druid Hills Civic Association and Tour of Homes; was an active member of the Emory University Alumni Association & Women’s Club; and was instrumental in helping the Amani Women Center. She was president of the Friends of Music at Emory (2008-2011), and served on the board for 15 years. 

Mary Emma is survived by her husband Dan, their three children Memmi McConaughey Stubbs, Dan Jr., and Warner (Allison); their 9 grandchildren Justin (Lauren), Connor (Corie), Sarah, Emilie (Raphael), Camille (Nikolai), Zoe (Claire), Zadie, Wilson, and Lucy; her 7 great-grandchildren Matias, Elena, Liam, Paloma, Louisa, Maxim, and Alina; and her two sisters, Dr. Clara Welch Howell and Merrilyn Welch Eastham. 

Mary Emma greatly appreciated her entire Emory medical team, the Winship Cancer Institute, and her dedicated and loving caregivers. 

The family intends to hold a memorial service to celebrate her wonderful life when the wildflowers bloom in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to the Amani Women Center, Emory Friends of Music, or Winship Cancer Institute.