Mary Lou Turner

Mary Lou (Seward) Turner was greeted by the smiling face of Jesus as He welcomed her into paradise on February 22, 2025.

Mary Lou was born on August 10, 1931, in her family home in Gatesville, Texas, to the late Felix A. and Mary Rebyl Seward. She spent her early years in Gatesville, Waco, and Lake Jackson, Texas, before graduating from Lubbock High School in 1949, where she was a featured twirler and elected Basketball Queen.

On December 23, 1950, she married the great love of her life, Morris Wayne “Moe” Turner, at Southside Church of Christ in Lubbock. After Moe’s graduation from Texas Tech and discharge from the U.S. Air Force, they made their home in Lubbock, where they raised their three children: Brenda Sue, Andrew Ollen, and Stephanie Gayle. Mary Lou was a devoted member of Sunset Church of Christ for more than 60 years. She was a strong servant of the Lord and passed down her faith and values to her family.

She was a loving wife, serving her beloved Moe with faithfulness throughout their 58 years together. During Moe’s tenure as mayor, she embraced her role as “First Lady of Lubbock” (1972–1974) with dignity and kindness. Her servant’s heart extended beyond her home, as she gave back to her community in countless ways: President of the Women’s Division of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, President of the Lubbock Symphony Guild, President-elect of the Lubbock Women’s Club, and long-time member of the Monday Study Club. Her dedication to her city earned her the nickname “Queen of Lubbock” amongst family.

In addition to her community service, Mary Lou had an accomplished professional life, working as a switchboard operator for Bell Telephone, a ticket agent for Pioneer Airlines, and the business manager for M.W. Turner Construction Company, and their family-owned apartment complexes.

To her beloved grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Momma Lou”—a name spoken with love and admiration. She delighted in her grandchildren, and all the little ones were enamored with their Momma Lou. She was cherished and held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. She was always ready to welcome her family with a pan of crunchy potatoes and her world-famous pot roast.

Mary Lou was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Her grace, warmth, and kindness made her a joy to know, and her beauty and elegance naturally drew others to her. She made people feel welcome, included, and loved, and she radiated Christ’s love in all that she did. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Morris Turner; her daughters, Brenda Sue Paine and Stephanie Gayle Procopio; and her brothers, F.A. Seward, Jr., Charles Seward, and Gene Seward.

She is survived by her son, Andrew Turner (Dana) of Lubbock; her grandchildren, Chelsea Couch (Steve), Hayly Hext (Jeremy), Christopher Paine, Celeste Turner, Calli Turner Gay (Jordan), Connar Turner of Lubbock, and Carly Turner Carpenter (Travis) of Tuscola. She is also lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren: Danielle Flowers (Jared), Mason Couch (Misty), Caroline Paine, Grace Hext, Chloe Paine, Clarke Gay, Coy Hext, Sutton Carpenter, Everette Gay, Sawyer Carpenter, Cord Carpenter, Walker Gay, Turner Carpenter, Reed Gay, Briggs Gay, Hart Turner, Oaks Carpenter and Boone Turner. Additionally, she was blessed with great-great-grandchildren Parker Flowers, Peyton Flowers, Quaid Couch, Emmett Flowers, Quinn Couch, and one more on the way, and sister-in-law, Inge Seward, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of her remarkable 93 years will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Lakeridge Chapel and Memorial Designers, 6025 82nd St., Lubbock with Nat Cooper and Ken Young officiating. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lakeridge Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mary Lou’s name to Texas Girls & Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 56, Lubbock, TX 79408.

Momma Lou, we “love you in the morning, we love you at night, we love you, love you, love you with all of our might.”

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