Mary Turlington

Mary Capps Turlington, 90, of 434 McLamb Road, Coats died Monday, November 12, 2012 at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh.  She was born in Johnston County to the late Jeff and Florence (Stewart) Capps.  Mary grew up near Dunn and lived most of her adult life near Coats.  She was married to Robert Turlington for 67 years.  She was a dedicated Christian, wife, homemaker, and mother of two children.  She was an exceptional cook with many special recipes which her family always looked forward to enjoying, especially during special events, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthdays, and family reunions.  She taught kindergarten Sunday School at Coats Baptist Church for nearly 40 years.  She was also a good friend and neighbor to all and was always there with one of her special dishes when there was sickness or death in their families. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sue Turlington Clayton; parents Jeff and Florence (Stewart) Capps; six brothers, Garland Capps, Alvin Capps, Daniel Capps, David Capps, Omegal Jackson, and Arvie Jackson; and a step-mother, Penny Norris Capps.  She is survived by her husband, Robert Turlington of Coats; son, Joseph Turlington and wife Lalia of Wendell; and son-in-law, C. T. Clayton of Coats.  She was granny to four grandchildren – Meredith Turlington Pait (Roger) of New Bern, Lee Turlington (Ashley) of Raleigh, Tyrus Clayton (Nikki) of Erwin, and Troy Clayton (Christy) of Dunn – and 10 great grandchildren – Daniel, Luke, Tyler, Gabriella, Caleb, Sophie, Chloe, Garrett, Anna Claire, and Brianna.  She will be missed by many special nieces and nephews in the Turlington and Capps families.  The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Jutta Turlington, a wonderful, kind, and generous friend and neighbor and the special caregivers (Clara Lou, Virginia, Tina, Pearl, and Carla) who have so lovingly cared for Mary in recent months. A visitation will be held at Rose and Graham Funeral Home in Coats Wednesday, November 14th from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM and the funeral will be at the Coats Baptist Church Thursday, November 15th at 11:00 AM.  Reverends Jesse Mooney and Tom Austin will officiate. Interment will follow at the Devotional Gardens in Dunn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Senior Citizen Program at Coats Baptist Church, P. O. Box 297, Coats, N. C. 27521.