Dora Emma (Duncum) Turner

Dora Emma (Duncum) Turner

Aug. 20, 1922 – July 8 , 2016    

1942.  WW II.  A single, 20 year-old young lady from Cameron, Texas, daughter of Orba O. and Nuell Sanders Duncum, boarded a train alone, for Washington, D.C.  She was answering the call for clerical staff at the “War Department.” Indeed, an independent and most patriotic young woman. 

Later, back home in Texas and settled into married life and motherhood, she worked for the Texas National Guard, Camp Mabry in Austin for 31 years. 

Dora Emma (Duncum) Turner was wife to Reese Turner Sr. for 54 years until his death in 1998. At his funeral, she did not sit in the family grieving section. Rather, she stood at the chapel door and greeted arriving guests with hugs and kisses, smiles, and her Texas lady charm. Two weeks later, that funeral home called to ask if she would work as a greeter. With her husband gone, she accepted. She greeted and consoled the bereaved for five years – until her little stroke deprived her of driving and other things.

She fought for recovery, regaining some, moved to Bellville close to family, keeping her ability to love, nurture and laugh. Time eventually took her thoughts and laughter, yet her body fought on. She found peace July 8.

We are certain that the greeting party to meet her at the Gate included her loving husband, a baby boy who had died at birth in 1944, a very special horse named “Pinto” which she rode to school in Cameron, numerous dogs, cats and other critters she loved and cared for over her life. And, of course, loads of Duncum, Sanders and Turner family.

She is survived by son, Reese, his wife Gayle of Bellville, five great-grandchildren from three grand-daughters. 

Services/burial will be in Austin July 14.