Mary Babb Cannon Turner

Mary Babb Cannon Turner passed away on November 1, 2021. Mary was born on September 10, 1931 to the late Reverend T. Carlisle Cannon and Jeannette Pollock Clatworthy Cannon. The daughter of a Methodist minister, Mary Babb (as she was known in her younger years) moved to a new town and a new set of friends every four years during her youth. As a result, she had a number of lifelong friends throughout the state of South Carolina. Mary lived in Winnsboro, South Carolina during her high school years and it is there that she met her future husband. Earle A. Turner, Jr. They had two sons, Alex Turner of Honea Path, South Carolina and Carlisle (Lisa) Turner of Charlotte, North Carolina. She also has two granddaughters, Amanda Turner of Charlotte, North Carolina and Riley Turner of Cary, North Carolina.

Mary was a graduate of Winthrop College with an Art degree.  She worked as an Air Force Civilian employee at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina prior to her marriage and moved to Morganton, North Carolina in 1965. Upon her arrival in Morganton, Mary joined First Presbyterian Church of Morganton and was an active member until her death. She was a circle member, taught Sunday School, assisted with the nursery and accompanied the youth group on the first youth mission trip from First Presbyterian which was to Hazard County, Kentucky.

Mary had a keen interest in art and taught art classes at Collett Street Recreation Center and Western Piedmont Community College. She authored several articles in children’s art magazines and several of her paintings will be cherished by her family members in the future.

Mary took an active role in the management of her family’s farm which was originally founded by her great grandfather in 1855. She was instrumental in converting much of the property from erodible cropland and unproductive forests to highly productive pine forests.

Among other organizations, Mary was a member of the Burke County Board of Realtors, P.E.O. Sisterhood and Burke Arts Council. She was a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals until her health required to stop at the age of eighty-seven.

Mary was a very caring and giving person and no one appreciates this more than her sons. She took an active interest in every stage of their lives and never missed a ball game. She took great pride in her grandchildren and shared her love of the arts with them through numerous visits to museums and performances and engaging them in crafts, writing and art.

The memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 2 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Morganton. The family will receive friends after the service. A private burial will be held at the Honea Path Presbyterian Church cemetery in her family’s plot.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, North Carolina 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.