Mary Lee Rock Turpin

November 10, 1939 - February 12, 2021

Mary Lee Rock Turpin, born on November 10, 1939 in Lake Charles, LA passed away in her home in Lafayette, LA on February 12, 2021 after a lengthy illness. She was married at the age of 20 to Stanley Howard Turpin in Lake Charles on January 2, 1960. They had 2 children, Katherine Lee Turpin Watt (John) and Merrick Lynn Turpin Valentino (Vernon), who were by her side both in life and in death. Together they built a life together in Alexandria, LA. She is survived by many loving family and friends including her two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren (Ryan Steele Valentino, Stanton Taylor Valentino, John Lawrence Valentino, and Margaret Clare Mayo), which were her absolute pride and joy. In addition, survivors include the loving father of her children Stanley Howard Turpin, her nephew, Stuart Douglas Hamley, Jr., and her cousins, Gordon Steele and Carol Ann Steele Cox. She was very close to her loving aunt, Joanna Steele Viccellio and her life-long friend, Louise Lyons Kepper; both still residing in Lake Charles. Joanna was always in her heart and Louise was the sister she never had. Sherry Reed Burleigh, her fun-loving “partner-in-crime” was a dear friend. Later in life, Mary Lee was delighted to have been reunited with several cousins from the Rock family, including Taylor Rock, Larry Rock (Pat), David Stevenson (Cathy), Bob Ratliff (Pam) and their families. She always enjoyed their “Rock Cousins Reunions.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold Hughes Rock, Jr. and Hazel Dorothy Steele Rock, grandparents Harold Hughes Rock, Sr. and Maud Pope Rock, Charles Spencer Steele and Lena Elizabeth Bloxom Steele, step-grandmother Anaice Theriot Steele, and aunt Vivian Steele. Two of her best friends preceded her in death, Carole Ann Scheffer Ford and Juanita Hayes Bradas. In addition, Mary Lee had one very special person with whom she spent many years of her life, her beloved companion, Charles Arthur “Buster” Lowther. He was very near and dear to the entire family. They shared many happy times together until his passing in 2015. Mary Lee attended Lake Charles High School and was a proud member of the Kilties marching unit. She was inducted into the National Honor Society as a senior in high school. While attending Louisiana State University, she was a member of and treasurer for the Alpha Eta chapter of Phi Mu Fraternity and was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, a National Honor Society for first year college students. She was awarded a scholarship for maintaining the highest grades in the College of Commerce her freshman year. She was also elected to represent her class on the Board of Supervisors for the College of Commerce at LSU. Her sophomore year, she was a squad sponsor for the LSU Air Force ROTC. Mary Lee remained a die-hard LSU fan and supporter all the days of her life. After being a stay-at-home mom until her girls went away to college, she enjoyed working at the Rapides Parish Clerk of Court’s office for seven years. It seemed a natural choice, as she spent her high school and college summers working at the Calcasieu Parish Clerk of Court in Lake Charles. She cherished all of the employees in both offices. Volunteering for many organizations, Mary Lee was a member of and still a Sustainer in the Junior League of Alexandria. She had been a member of that service organization since 1962. Holding many positions within her church, she also worked as a Pink Lady for Cabrini Hospital and volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels. Mary Lee was a member of the Phi Mu Alumni organization. She was an avid reader and a marvelous cook. Her talent for writing led her to pen an annual Christmas poem for her children and grandchildren; these special gifts will be forever cherished. Her fun-loving silliness, sense of humor and wit were a hallmark of her personality. Her friends nicknamed her Wonder Woman and Detective Rock. This playful detective agency enthralled her grandchildren and friends, creating many fond memories forever to keep. We appreciate the loving care and constant attention given to her by her son-in-law, Dr. Vernon Valentino. We are truly grateful for the superb care we received by Stacey Frederick, Sharon “Sharone” Gates, Leslie Carriere, Kathryn “Kat” Richards and all other team members of Nursing Specialties/Hospice/Home Health. You all were truly a blessing. We are so touched by the love, strength and loyalty shown to Mary Lee by dear friends, Debby Duplechain and Elsie Colomb during her difficult times near the end. “Team Mary Lee” fought for her, while providing affection, tender care and reassurance to her and her family. As Mary Lee left with the angels, we could hear “Detective Rock” saying “I love you all. Over and Out!” Services to honor her memory will be held at her church home, Live Oak Community Church, located at 8 Heyman Lane, Alexandria, LA. Due to Covid 19, the service will be streamed live for viewing Tuesday, February 23, 2021 (Liveoakcommunitychurch.com Click “More” link, then click “Sermons” to view Eulogy.) A slide show presentation will begin at 11:00am with the memorial service beginning at 12pm. The family understands health precautions regarding the pandemic and the significance of social distancing and appreciates you honoring Mary Lee from afar. Her dear pastor and friend, Ken Satcher will be the officiant. Interment will be held at Alexandria Memorial Gardens at a later date under the direction of John Kramer & Son Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Live Oak Community Church (8 Heyman Lane Alexandria, LA 71303, phone 318-442-5775) or to The American Cancer Society. To extend online notes of condolence to the family please visit.www.KramerFunerals.com.