Mary Lee (Moon) Turner, age 86, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Mary was born on October 12, 1939, in Pernell, Oklahoma, to James Malcom Moon and Florence Ruby (Gandy) Moon. Raised in a hardworking family, she spent much of her youth helping her father on an orange grove farm, where she developed the strong work ethic, determination, and adventurous spirit that would define her life.
On March 19, 1955, Mary married the love of her life, Albert Arley Turner, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and love. Mary worked alongside Albert as a garage mechanic, demonstrating her skill and confidence in a field uncommon for women of her generation. She later worked at Kelwood and eventually served as a Resident Aide at the Southern Oklahoma Resource Center, where she dedicated herself to caring for others for more than 2 decades.
Mary was a woman of many talents and passions. She loved fishing, gardening, quilting, woodworking, canning, cooking, and reading. She was known for her fearlessness, whether catching snakes, rebuilding motors, or tackling any challenge that came her way. Family gatherings were especially important to her, and she took great joy in organizing family reunions that brought loved ones together year after year.
A gifted cook, Mary was especially famous for her homemade Mexican food, including her delicious tortillas and salsa, which became family favorites. She found her greatest happiness in her children and grandchildren, sharing her knowledge, wisdom, and adventurous spirit with them. One grandson fondly remembers how she taught him to rebuild an engine, fish, and face life without fear.
Mary's legacy is one of strength, love, resilience, and family devotion. She leaves behind countless cherished memories and lessons that will continue to guide those who knew and loved her.
Mary is survived by her son, Albert Turner of Elmore City, Oklahoma; Daughters, Mary Parshall of Elmore City, Oklahoma, Carol Henderson of Elmore City, Oklahoma; Grandchildren, Joseph Blaine Henderson, Shiloh Rain Henderson, Chad Albert Turner, Lindsey Turners; Sister, Ruby Joyce Smith; and a host of other friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Malcom Moon and Florence Ruby (Gandy) Moon; Sons-in-law, Ronald Parshall and Joe Henderson; and Sisters, Charlena Blackerby and Marilyn Stacey.
Graveside services for Mary will be on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Elmore City Cemetery with Carolyn Lovett officiating. Public Visitation for Mary will be on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM and Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM at Wooster Funeral Home in Elmore City, Oklahoma. If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so at www.woosterfuneralhomes.com