MARY CATHERINE TURNER

Mary (Mae) Catherine Turner was born on December 30, 1946, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Catherine and Durant Turner.

From an early age, Mae demonstrated dedication and perseverance — qualities that remained with her throughout her life. She attended School #63 and later graduated from Crispus Attucks High School.

At an early age, Mae accepted Jesus Christ into her life. She sang joyfully in the choir at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, where her faith and love for music shone through. Later she joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Mae dedicated 46 years of loyal service to the United States Postal Service, retiring on June 18, 2011.    During her career, she proudly served as a union steward, advocating for others with strength, fairness, and resolve.

No matter what was spoken, Mae was always paying attention. You could often find her slumped over in a chair, working on a crossword puzzle or lying in bed watching television, but don’t you dare say she was sleeping. Her sharp mind and perfectly timed silent jabs let everyone know she missed nothing.

Mae also enjoyed the simple, meaningful things in life: playing Monopoly, card games — especially Spades, crossword puzzles, Pepsi with Lay’s chips, and Neapolitan ice cream. Her favorite color was black, and she was impeccably dressed, stylish, polished, and confident.  Driving, however, was never her favorite pastime. “The light is blinding me,” she would say — a phrase that would forever bring a smile to those who knew her best.

Above all, Mae was a family woman. She adored her daughter the most, cherished her grandchildren, and was always willing to help whenever she had the means. Her love was quiet, steady, and deeply felt.

Mary “Mae” Catherine Turner will be remembered for her elegance, her humor, her dedication, and the quiet way she loved so fiercely. Though she may be gone from our side, her spirit, style, and legacy will live on forever.

Mae passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, in Avon, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine and Durant Turner; her son, Antonio Turner; son-in-law Lee Cotton; brothers Rev. Joseph (Joe) Turner, Donald Turner; sisters Geraldine (Gerri) Russell and Isabella (Bellie) Johnson; grandson Monderrio Turner; and brothers-in-law Martin Russell and Major Hackett.

She is survived by her children, Tyrice Turner and Natasha Turner Cotton; three sisters, Lorrine Debow, Barbara Williams and Audrey Turner; one brother, Charles Turner; and one brother-in-law, Bobby Wilcher. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Tiffany Cotton, Timothy Turner, DeQuon Turner (Violet), Ladria Turner, Antonio Glasper, Sanchez Turner, DeAndre Turner, Alexander Wooden, and Bryan Wooden; twenty-three great-grandchildren: Donovan, Penelope, Timia, Travis,Timber, Teagan, Leia, Shekar, D’Zion, Ian, Ah’miya, Antonio, Prince Amir, Azaria, Nefertiti, Zya’Ahnu, Seven, Amari, Delilah, Bentley, Amelia, DeAndre, and Nara; along with a host of relatives, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

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