Beth Turnbull

Elizabeth Sue Cunningham Turnbull- Born February 7, 1917 to Dr. Robert E. Cunningham and Sudie Robinson Cunningham in Elberton, Georgia. In 1924 her father moved the family and his dental practice to Jackson, MS. Beth graduated from Central High School in 1933 at age 16, then Millsaps College in 1937 with Bachelor of Arts in English. While at Millsaps she greatly enjoyed the Chi Omega sorority and the Millsaps Singers.

After graduation, Beth worked at the Jackson Clarion Ledger as Assistant Society Editor headed by Rehfeldt Family and later for the Unemployment Compensation Commission in Jackson.

In 1943 Beth married Wade William Turnbull Sr., a geologist with Carter Oil, and moved to Carmi, IL. Wade’s career with Humble Oil & Refinery led the family to Tulsa and later Houston. Wade and Beth enjoyed many wonderful friends through Exxon.

Beth felt that creating a loving home for her family was her most important job. She modeled fine cooking, gracious hospitality and love of music to her family. She loved playing bridge and golf with friends and growing beautiful roses that she often shared with friends. She is survived by her son, Wade William Turnbull Jr. and wife, Marilyn of Grand Prairie, daughter, Martha Turnbull Graham and husband, Randall of Irving, four grandchildren Emily and husband, Keith Briggs of Mesquite, Cliff Graham and wife, Dana of San Antonio, Bethany Graham of San Antonio, Rebecca and husband, Pete Dixon of the Austin area. She is also survived by three great grandchildren whom she dearly loved and several dear nieces and nephews.

A small memorial service will be held in Irving, TX at Plymouth Park United Methodist Church at 1:00 on Saturday, October 12, 2013. Burial will be in Houston at Memorial Oaks Cemetery at 1:00 on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. The family suggests memorials be made to Millsaps College, Jackson, MS 1701 North State St., Jackson, MS 39210 or The Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 in lieu of flowers.