Mary Lou (Westbrook) Turlington

Mary Lou Turlington, age 90, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on October 19, 1935, in Newton Grove, North Carolina, to the late Jasper and Norva Westbrook. An only child, Mary was known in her youth as a bit of a tomboy. She shared a close and lifelong bond with her cousin, Frank, who was like a brother to her, and the two grew up side by side.

Mary later moved to Dunn, where she attended Dunn High School. It was there that she met the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Mac Turlington. Following graduation, Mary attended Greensboro Women’s College (now UNC Greensboro), while Mac attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The couple married on December 15, 1957, during Mac’s junior year of college, and shared 61 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2018.

While attending Greensboro Women’s College, Mary was an accomplished athlete. She was an avid swimmer and diver and proudly competed as a member of the college swim team. She graduated in 1955 with a degree in bookkeeping.

Mary led a full and active life. She found great joy in gardening and was well known for her beautiful yard. Her garden at 608 Argyll Road drew many admirers and was listed on the Fayetteville Gardens Tour. As a member of Colonial Garden Club, she delighted in sharing her knowledge and love of flowers and plants. She also cherished time spent with friends playing Rummikub and Mahjong. An enthusiastic golfer, Mary was a longtime member of Highland Country Club, where she proudly held the title of Women’s Golf Champion for 14 years.

Friends and family knew Mary Lou as a devoted dog lover who had learned the names of all the dogs in her neighborhood. She particularly loved West Highland Terriers, and mourned the loss of Bonnie, her latest Westie.

Mary Lou was a strong woman with an abiding faith who saw her family through many trying times with determination and a sense of humor. The men and granddaughter she raised are a testament to her love and faith. She was active in her church, Highland Presbyterian, particularly Women’s Circle as well as a devoted member of her Sunday School class.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mac Turlington; her son, Neal Turlington; and her three cherished West Highland Terriers, who were truly like family to her.

Mary is survived by her sons, Rev. John Turlington (Anita) and Daley Turlington (Crystal); her granddaughter, Elizabeth Turlington (Colton); step- grandchildren, John Haubenreich and Jadin McMillan; and her step-great-grandchildren, Abby and Thomas Haubenreich. She was lovingly dubbed “Mama Lou” by grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Mary Lou’s many friends for visiting her, providing wonderful food, and sustaining her spirits through her long battle with cancer.

We would also like to thank 3HC Hospice for their loving and gentle care for Mary Lou. We are particularly grateful to her nurse Courtney Elliott, whose competence and obvious affection for Mary Lou were a comfort to the entire family.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fayetteville Animal Protection Society or Operation Smile. https://www.fapspet.org/donate  https://www.operationsmile.org/

Online condolences may be shared at www.jerniganwarren.com.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.

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