Obituary of Mary Anita Moore Turner

Mary Anita Moore Turner is now at home with the Lord, having died on December 19, 2016. Mary was born in Long Beach, CA and went to heaven from Little Rock, AR. Her parents, Max and Marline Moore, along with a son, Stephen Turner, preceded her into the presence of the Lord. She is survived by her husband of more than 40 years, Emil Turner, and by their son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Kellie Turner; and by their son, Jonathan Turner; by her grandchildren, and by her two sisters, Deborah Moore and Katie Lisec. Also, she leaves behind great friends from her church and Sunday School class at Immanuel Baptist Church, and friends across Arkansas, America, and around the world. Mary was graduated from Long Beach State University and earned a Master’s Degree through the Institute of Biblical Studies with Campus Crusade for Christ. Growing up in a Navy family and marrying a Baptist preacher, Mary moved frequently. She experienced more than 30 changes of address in her life, but has now moved into a beautiful and eternal home. Though difficult, these many moves were used by God in Mary’s life. The move to Subic Bay in the Philippine Islands resulted in her receiving Christ as her Savior in a Vacation Bible School led by a Navy Chaplain. Her ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ involved moves to North Texas State University, Louisiana State University, State University of New York at Albany, Western Kentucky University and even to Ireland. These relocations resulted in many young women coming to Christ through Mary’s ministry on campuses, as well as beginning CCC’s ministry in Ireland. As a pastor’s wife, her moves to different church fields (seminary in New Orleans; FBC Harrisonburg, LA; Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Crossett, AR; and FBC Lake Charles, LA) filled her life with relationships that enriched her and her family. In each place she led women in Bible Studies and prayer groups, greatly impacting Christ’s Kingdom. As a pastor’s wife, Mary was an invaluable support and source of stability to her family. She never complained about the circumstances of pastoral ministry, and her stewardship of the home strengthened the lives of her husband and sons. As the wife of a Baptist State Convention Executive Director, she prayed faithfully for the churches and church staff of Arkansas, for her husband’s wisdom in ministry and safety in travel, and provided wise insights into ministry decisions for her husband. Missionaries in Europe and Asia also benefited from Mary’s commitment to the Great Commission of Jesus. Mary’s sense of space, art, and beauty made parsonages into homes, and homes into sanctuaries for her family. The home life she maintained was never a burden to her family, but a launching pad from which each of them could go further than would have been possible without her efforts. In the planning of her funeral service, Mary made clear that the gospel of Jesus should be offered to those who attend the service. While the indignities and trials of sickness and death are uncomfortable and demeaning, Mary had no fear of death. She trusted Christ as her Savior and this faith gave her an assurance of a home in heaven. This is her desire for all of her friends as well. Funeral services for Mary will be conducted at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, preceded by visitation at the church beginning at 12:00 noon. Reverend Don Pucik will officiate. Rather than send flowers, Mary requested that those wishing to do so, should make contributions to the GO TEAM ministry of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, or to the Malaysia Mission Fund of Anchor Baptist Church (599 Bayne Road, Malvern, AR 72104). Graveside services will held on Thursday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bartholomew Methodist Church, 14974 Old Bonita Road, Bastrop, Louisiana 71220, under the direction of Golden Funeral Home.