“It is with greatest honor that February 15, 2023 be known as “Mary Ann Claiborne Day” in Calhoun County, as it is reciprocation for every life she has touched through her continued passion and persistence in seeking widespread literacy. Calhoun County, Port O’Connor Library Branch, and the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc. honor Mary Ann Voigts Claiborne,” – Judge Richard H. Meyer

Mary Ann, who turned 81 on February 15, began her teaching career in Dallas, Texas in the 1960’s. She moved to Port O’Connnor in 1971 and continued teaching in Calhoun County for over 48 years. She was a pioneer in the creation of the earliest Port O’Connor Library in 1985-86. Mary Ann (along with several others) turned a stack of books into a library funded completely by volunteers.

Mary Ann was instrumental in the transformation of that simple stack of books to an operational library that eventually metamorphosed into the beautiful POC Library Branch of today.

Mary Ann is a true philanthropist with her time, as she can be seen at every library event lending a helping hand. She volunteers for the Port O’Connor Service Club, the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, the First Baptist Church of Port O’Connor, the Port O’Connor Elementary School, and the Port O’Connor Volunteer Fire Department Annual BBQ. She also extends her promotion of youth literacy by personally purchasing books for all second graders in all of Calhoun County each year through the Calhoun County Retired Teachers Association. Mary Ann is a wonderful person who always has a smile on her face and is always wanting to help.