Mary Lee Turner's Obituary
Philippians 4 (KJV): “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”
On 20 January 2024, Mary Lee Scarborough Turner departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ after walking this earth for 89 years, 9 months, and 9 days. Preceding her and awaiting her arrival in the Promised Land were her Husband of 59-1/2 years; Billy Joe Turner, Son; David Dalton Turner, Mother and Father; Alfred E. and Eunice May Scarborough, Brother; Edward Eugene Scarborough, Sister; Betty Lou Scarborough Falcon, best friend of many years; Mrs. Ethel Hightower of Longview, and many other cherished family members and friends.
Mary came into this world on 12 April 1934 in Sabine, TX. She attended grade school in Judson, TX, middle school at Foster Jr. High in Longview, TX, and then Longview High School. She met Billy Turner after he moved here from Antlers, OK. They were wed on 13 December of 1952 at the Mobberly Avenue Baptist Church of which she had been an active member for many years. Although Mary suffered from poor health much of her life she was determined to live on her own terms. Mary and Billy started a family after his return from military service. She worked briefly for the Ben E. Keith Company in Longview before deciding to devote all of her time to her family and home. She was well known for her immaculate house and well-kept children and husband. Her great joy in life was God, her family, and friends. She loved going to Church, camping at Lake O’ the Pines, and participating in activities with her friends. One of Mary’s greatest attributes was her selflessness and willingness to give to others. She doted on her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Her “granddogs” Lil Bit and Sebastian gave her great joy and she loved recanting their antics and the love she had for them to everyone she met.
She worked tirelessly providing loving care for her aging parents before their passing and her sister before her passing. Mary spent countless hours teaching Vietnamese refugees to speak English in her home and did her best to become a second mother to a number of the young Vietnamese who escaped without their parents. She was a wonderful cook and provided lavish Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for her family and lonely friends. A family member’s birthday was never forgotten by her and never passed without a birthday cake and gathering in her home.
Mary is survived by her Son and Daughter in Law; Randal and Dianne Turner of Lake Cherokee, Daughters; Lisa Turner and Kelly Moore of Longview, Grandsons; Aaron and Wife April Turner of Longview, Nathan and wife Tammy Turner of Elderville, and Jason Turner and partner Emily Steckler of Longview, and Great Granddaughter Alyssa Turner of Lake Cherokee.
Special tribute and acknowledgement goes to Daughters; Lisa Turner and Kelly Moore and Wonderful Friend; Reba Davis of Elderville for the loving care they provided Mary during her times of illness and final days. “Momma” will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her family and all others whose lives she touched.
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