Mary Catherine Landis Jones Turner, born on September 29, 1925, in Oxford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, education, and community service. Mary was the cherished daughter of Charlie and Cornelia Landis. She was blessed with one brother, Alfonso Landis, who preceded her in death, and one sister, Lucille Asberry, who adored her deeply and shared a special bond.
Mary's early education took place at a Presbyterian school in Oxford, where she would walk to school with friends, earning her school money through hard work in the tobacco fields during the summers. Her dedication to her studies was recognized with praise, even amidst challenges. She pursued higher education at Fayetteville State Teachers College before transferring to North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, where she graduated in 1947 with a bachelor's degree in art and social studies. She later earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central in Durham.
Her career began at Kittrell Junior College, but with a desire for urban life, she returned to Oxford to teach military veterans while searching for a more permanent position. Due to her academic excellence and glowing recommendations, Mary earned a summer internship at the Pentagon. Through a teacher placement service, she was offered a position at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, marking the beginning of her long and impactful teaching career.
On her train ride from North Carolina to Florida, Mary met Ernest Ponder, a fellow teacher at Gibbs, who helped her adjust to her new surroundings and introduced her to lifelong friends. Renting a room from Juanita Johnson, Mary became actively involved in the social scene. It was at a Gibbs High School faculty party where she met her first husband, Altha
"Tubby" Jones. After exchanging a gift during the holiday party-a bottle of exotic perfume that deeply impressed her-Mary and Tubby began dating, and by the end of the school year in 1951, they were married. In 1952, they welcomed their beloved son, Bernard.
Her exceptional dedication to teaching was recognized when she received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the class of 1962 at Gibbs High School. Mary continued her teaching career, transferring to Boca Ciega High School 13 years later to aid in the school's integration efforts. She served there for 18 years, both as an art teacher and librarian, finding immense joy in educating and mentoring students.
In 1971, Mary faced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Altha, to a
heart attack. Her faith became a cornerstone of strength as she transitioned to Lakeview Presbyterian Church in 1973, where she was
a devoted member for 51 years. At Lakeview, she served in leadership roles such as Elder, Clerk of Session, and member of the Worship Service Committee. She was also active in the adult Sunday School and contributed to Black History Presentations. Known for her baking, Mary often spoiled her fellow church members at every potluck with homemade sweet potato pies, pumpkin pies, or brownies.
For over 30 years, she tirelessly volunteered with Operation Attack on
Poverty. Mary would fill her car with hundreds of pounds of food from
the St. Petersburg Free Clinic Distribution Center and bring it to Operation Attack every day it was open. There, she would bag up the food and distribute it to families in need, leaving a lasting impact on
countless lives. Due to her exceptional dedication to community service, Mary was nominated to the Senior Hall of Fame in 2007.
Mary later found love again with Alfred Turner, a fellow Presbyterian,
whom she married after meeting him at Lakeview Presbyterian Church. They continued to serve the church and community together until Alfred's passing in 1987 due to complications from diabetes. Mary also dedicated over 12 years to working at the polls, educatingand registering voters.
A proud and lifelong member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated,
Mary was an undergraduate member since 1948, serving for 76 years. She was also a founding member of the Zeta Gamma Zeta chapter, holding lifetime membership for 69 years. Throughout her life, Mary embodied the sorority's values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Bernard Henry Jones, and his wife, Linda Jones; her sister, Lucille Asberry, and her son, Byron Goff of Oxford; her granddaughter, Kristen Moore; her grandsons, Bernard H. Jones Jr., and Tremaine Shellman; great-granddaughters, Kayla Jones of Conway, South Carolina and Bella Moore of Tampa, Florida; her special niece, Stephanie Bryant of Ashton, Maryland; her special church sister, Barbara; her devoted friend, Walter; and her best friend, Barbara James, who was always by her side. Mary is also survived by a host of cousins, close relatives, and friends who were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit.
Mary's life was a testament to faith, family, and a deep dedication to education and community. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.
