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, educating
and 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.