Mary Frances Ball Gorman, a stalwart figure in the jewelry industry and longtime owner of Henry B. Ball Jewelers in Akron, Ohio, passed away on February 14 at the age of 99.
Born in Lakewood, Ohio, on September 9, 1924, Mary embarked on her journey in the jewelry business at the age of 24, joining her first husband, W. Henry “Skip” Ball, at his family’s jewelry enterprise, Henry B. Ball Co., established by his father in 1915.
For nearly seven decades, Mary dedicated herself to the family business, accumulating a wealth of expertise and accolades along the way. She earned her Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America and attained prestigious titles including Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, and Certified Gemologist Appraiser from the American Gem Society. Additionally, she achieved the esteemed designation of Master Graduate Gemologist from the Independent Jewelers Organization and completed the core courses of the International Society of Appraisers.
Renowned for her trailblazing spirit, Mary emerged as a leading authority in the jewelry industry, navigating through male-dominated spheres and eventually assuming the role of sole owner and president of the family business in 1971, following the passing of her husband, Skip. In 1973, she wed Tom Gorman, a diamond wholesaler, who sadly passed away in 1979.
Mary’s passion for the industry extended beyond the confines of her store as she embarked on journeys across the globe, exploring mines in Tanzania, sapphire deposits in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), opal fields in Australia, pearl beds in Japan, and diamond mines in South Africa.
Throughout her illustrious career, Mary served on numerous industry boards, including the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America, and the Jewelers Vigilance Committee. Notably, she made history in 1996 as the first woman to hold the position of treasurer on the Jewelers of America board.
An active participant in various associations, Mary held leadership positions within the Ohio Jewelers Association and the Ohio Guild of the American Gem Society. She chaired the AGS Conclave from 1988 to 1993 and contributed her insights to industry publications such as JCK magazine.
Mary is survived by her sons James Ball, Thomas Ball, and Robert (Patricia) Ball; daughters Barbara (John) Dietrich and Nancy (Patrick) Martin Looby; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands Skip and Tom, her son Damian Ball, and her 12 siblings.
A service honoring Mary’s life will take place on February 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church, followed by a burial mass at Rose Hill Burial Park.
