Laura Ann Turner

She graduated from Hobbs, NM, High School in 1963, attended the University of Washington for two years and graduated from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 1985, with a degree in Literature. Laura was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority while in college and belonged to numerous professional educational organizations during her teaching years.

She is survived by her husband Conrad of the home and by daughter Valaria of Plano, Texas. She is also survived by her sister Waleta Spear and husband Phil of University Park, Texas, and her 2 nieces, Josephine, attending Tulane University, and Alexandra, attending University of Arizona.

Laura was preceded in death by her mother and dad and by a brother, Johnny Moore. After securing her degree from UTPB, Laura began a teaching career that proved totally fulfilling to her and equally beneficial to the youngsters she taught. Assignments at Goldsmith and Cavazos in Ector County ISD and Bunker Hill Elementary in the Spring Branch ISD brought wide-spread recognition and appreciation for her commitment of time and effort and educational excellence from her teaching peers, school administrations and especially the parents of her students. Among other honors, Laura was selected Elementary Teacher of the Year for Spring Branch ISD. Laura Turner was a Christian woman and a member of First Baptist Church in Odessa who found great pleasure in attending and participating in her church Sunday School activities, the worship time and especially the Wednesday night service led by Dr. Byron McWilliams.

Laura was a 51 year survivor of insulin-dependent diabetes and numerous other medical challenges she met without complaining about her plight in life. Thanks to the sure, steady hand of GOD and the attention of Dr. J. B. Naidu and his staff, Laura prospered in her life, as difficult as it was at times, with grace and dignity beyond belief. Now, she has left us to claim the promises Christ made to those who loved HIM.

A memorial service for Laura will be held in First Baptist Church in Odessa at 10:00 on Monday, August 1st, with Glen Pipes, Dr. Byron McWilliams and Curtis Brewer officiating. The family has selected cremation as a final resting solution. Services are by Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.