In Loving Memory of Mary Josephine Turner

1952 - 2024

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Mary Josephine Eppinger-Hartley Turner, who was born on October 28th, 1952, and transitioned to be with the Lord on October 15th, 2024. Mary is preceded in death by her mother Jean Ann Williams-Eppinger, father Henry Hartley and raised by stepfather Cal B Eppinger. As we reflect on Mary's life filled with many roles, Mary spent many years working at the Arizona State Court of Appeals before embarking on her true calling as a minister. Mary has worked in many facets of the ministry over a period of time. Mary was a certified Chaplin. She was an Evangelist, Teacher, Counselor, and at one time a First Lady. She served at The Potter's House of Dallas for several years on the Prayer Team and Prayer Line ministering to many. Over the last 10 years Mary served on the Accountability Board of Tree of Life Community Church of Arizona, Inc. She was also a Caregiver to many, who worked in the metroplexes of Arizona and Texas. She lived and breathed the Word of God. We are reminded of her unwavering deep faith and a devout Christian who embodied the love of Christ in every aspect of her life. She lived her life with purpose, and her heart was always open to helping those in need, whether it was through her ministry or the quiet acts of kindness. As a minister/friend/mentor, she taught the Word of God with passion, touching lives through her sermons, prayers, and personal connections. Mary's legacy will live on through her family, and the countless individuals whose lives she touched with her wisdom, kindness, and unshakable faith. She was not just a mother, grandmother, or minister, she was a guiding light to all who knew her, leading others to Christ with her compassion and spiritual insight. Her impact is immeasurable, and her memory will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her. Mary was more than a mother to her children, she was their greatest supporter, a source of wisdom and strength, and their spiritual guide. Her love for her family was unmatched. As a mother, she was generous, loving, and fiercely concerned about her children's well-being. Her family will forever cherish those memories, along with the endless sound advice and teachings she shared. Her favorite scripture was: Proverbs 31:28 - Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Mary is survived by her beloved children: Carolyn Roshun Eppinger, LaShawn Antoinette McMillen, Edward Anthony St. Clair Jr., and James Aaron St. Clair Sr. She was a proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild, and the Hartley family whom all were the light of her life as well as her cherished pet, Mondo. Along with her best friend of 46 years, Deloris Drebert and in addition to her extended family and her loving church family. In her final days, Mary knew that her life, filled with love, service, and devotion to God, had prepared her for the moment when she would be called home. While we will miss her deeply, we rejoice in knowing that she has received her ultimate reward. We also take solace in knowing that she is now where she always longed to be, in the arms and presence of the Lord, and reunited with those who went before her. Heaven has gained a precious angel. Rest in eternal peace, beloved mother, grandmother, great and great great grandmother, minister, and friend. You are home.

Services to honor Mary's life will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024, @ 10:30am, in Phoenix Arizona, located at 41 E. 13 th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281, where family, friends, and all those touched by her ministry are invited to gather in remembrance of this extraordinary woman. This service will also stream live on Facebook @ Tree of Life Community Church of AZ. In order to view this service, please 'like us'. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her children.