Mary Herbert Turner's Obituary
Mary Helena Herbert Turner was born on August 5, 1943, and passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer. Mary was born to Paul and Dollie Herbert in Washington, D.C., and grew up in East Lansing, MI. Mary graduated from Michigan State University in 1965, and completed her master’s degree at Northern Illinois University in 1977.
Mary worked as an assistant buyer for Carson, Pirie, Scott and Co. in Chicago from 1965-1968. Mary then taught at Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL, for 6 years at Thomas Jefferson High School in Dallas from 1978-1984, and then at Health Special High School until retiring in 2001.
Mary was very active in retirement as she volunteered with Network of Community Ministries and Meals-On-Wheels, participated as an alumnus of Alpha Chi Omega, and worked as a part-time educator with Planned Parenthood. Mary was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Richardson, Texas, where she was active in the Fellowship Sunday School class and on the leadership team of Stephen Ministry. Mary enjoyed traveling, reading, taking Bible classes through her church, doing genealogy research, staying in shape, and socializing with her many dear friends whom she loved so much.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband Bill Turner, her parents, her brother Steve Herbert, and her stepmother Maxine Herbert. Mary is survived by her two nephews, Christopher Herbert (Vanessa) and Benjamin Herbert (Kerry) and their families, and by her two devoted stepchildren, Carla Getz (Kenton) and Jeff Turner (Ashley) and her eight grandchildren, Corbin (and Brooke), Caleb, Carter, Cooper, and Camille Getz; and Ruthie, Parke and Annie Turner. “Mimi” was a wonderful grandmother who treasured time with her grandchildren.
Mary, who will always be remembered for her beauty and kindness, was loved by so many and was a blessing to all who knew her. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, June 8, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Richardson, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Mary with a donation to Operation Kindness, National Wildlife Federation or American Cancer Society.
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