Our Favorite

There are two kinds of people in the world, those that walk in a room and say “Here I am”…and those that walk in a room and say “There you are.”

Grandma was definitely the latter.

There you are my beloved grandchild. Her eyes would light up, her smile would stretch ear to ear, and her arms would open for a long, warm hug.

She was a special kind of special.

She was a fashionista, yet loved a ball game. She was our biggest fan..and you knew it…and so did the rest of the crowd. :-)

She wasn’t afraid to live life…and she lived it to the fullest. She got her ears pierced when she was in her ’70’s…now that’s livin’! 

Grandma had an abundance of grace, yet always encouraged us to get back up when we fell…to keep on going when we felt like giving up…to brush off the dust and try again. She was no quitter and didn’t want one of her own to be one either.

Complaints were never spoken from her mouth. She found the silver lining in everything. Just like Taylor Swift, she believed we should all just “Shake it Off”. 

Did Grandma play favorites? You bet she did! Each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were all her favorites. And you couldn’t think otherwise. We could each prove our case. We all have story after story of why WE are THE favorite. It’s an impossibility that she somehow made possible.

Now that her mission on earth is complete, it is our turn to live out her legacy. Let’s take the opportunity to show the world that love conquers all. That joy and a sense of humor is the anecdote for almost anything. That gratefulness and being content do not go unnoticed. And lastly, may all of our own family members receive that priceless feeling that they are our precious gifts from God. 

I will keep this short, though I could probably write an entire book on my Grandma and what she means to me.  The world lost an amazing person on March 5th, 2015.  All who met Marie Turley can attest that she was truly an exceptional person.  In addition to her great sense of humor and outgoing personality, my Grandma was a great example of Jesus for me. There are four ways in particular that she exemplified Jesus in her life:

1. "Do everything without grumbling or arguing." - Philippians 2:14

* My Grandma did everything in life with a joyful spirit. She was a happy person and was always focused on being positive. As many people know, she had tremendous pain in her last years of life.  Not once did I witness her complaining about the overwhelming pain that she endured. We can all learn from her example in doing everything without grumbling or arguing. 

2. "A new command I give you:  Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." - John 13:34-35

* My Grandma was full of love to all people.  She never met a person that she didn't like!  When you were with my Grandma, you couldn't help but feel loved.  Her love was unconditional and you could never do anything to lose it.   

3.  "Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God."  Romans 15:7

* My family can attest that she accepted you as you are, no matter what you did or what was going on in your life.  If everyone else turned their back on you, my Grandma would be there for you with unconditional love.    I can't help but reflect back on each time a new in-law or boyfriend/girlfriend would join our family gatherings.  As soon as you walked through the door to her house, you were equally as special as any other member of our family.  Once you were in her family, you were ALWAYS in her family from that moment on.

4.  "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:11

* One of the wonderful things about my Grandma is that she would make you feel as if you were the most important person on earth when you were with her.  She was always encouraging with her words and affection.  I can promise that every single one of her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, etc...felt that they were important and loved.  

I was able to see Jesus in my Grandma's life, and hope and pray that our family can continue her legacy.  There will never be another Marie Turley, but her example and spirit will live on through her family. I am so thankful to have been the grandson to such a godly person.    

Sincerely,

From her "favorite" grandchild - Kendall

Marie Czeschin Turley

January 16, 1925 – March 5, 2015

Marie was born at home on January 16, 1925 to Herman and Emma Czeschin in Napoleon, Missouri.  She lived on a farm with her brother, Arthur and three sisters, Agnes, Ella, and Nadine.  Her mother passed away when she was only 12 years old. 

Marie graduated high school and worked in Kansas City as a secretary at Greenlease Cadillac Dealership.  In 1946, she met the love of her life, Bob Turley.  They were married on December 7, 1946; just one month following their first date. Not long after their wedding, God blessed them with five children in just seven years: Donna, Teresa, Steve, Tim and Jeanie. They adored their children.

The family moved from Muskogee to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1952 where Bob worked in the aircraft industry. They made their home there until Bob’s death in 2002. They were married 56 years. 

After losing Bob, Marie moved to the Methodist Manor in Tulsa where she resided until going to Heaven.  She was very involved at the Manor and never met a stranger.  She particularly loved the Bible Studies and all the fun activities there.  She also volunteered in the gift shop and answered the phone at the front desk.

Marie was a member of Will Rogers United Methodist Church. She loved her church. She was involved in United Methodist Women, Friendship Club, Joy Group, and Crusaders Sunday School class. You could find her volunteering in the kitchen, rocking babies in the nursery and filling in as receptionist in the office. She also was a mentor at the Street School and loved delivering Meals on Wheels.

Marie is survived by her five children, Donna & Ronnie King, Teresa & Mark Springer, Steve & Debby Turley, Tim & Debi Turley, and Jeanie & Rick Curzon. She had 15 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild. Also, her sister, Nadine Butler and husband Dick and many nieces and nephews.

She loved all of her family very much. Indeed, they were all her favorites.