Mary Rosa TURNER
- Born: 2 Sep 1870, Pensacola, FL
- Marriage (1): John Abercrombie MERRITT on 22 Nov 1892 in Pensacola, FL
- Died: 23 Aug 1961, Pensacola, FL at age 90
- Buried: St. John's, Pensacola, FL
General Notes:
Seven out of eight siblings went to college. Uncle Charley Turner went to old Southwestern (now Rhodes). Em went to Agnes Scott. Philo and George went to Auburn. Dick refused to go.
Lived in same quarter block in P'cola (619 N. Baylen) for almost seventy years. Lived in two houses her whole life.
Nicknamed "Marmee" (sounds like Mawmee). This was a child’s pronunciation of Mommy, maybe from Betty Nick, and a reference to the “Little Women” character.
Was a devout Yankees fan. Knew statistics in her eighties. Her preference for the Yankees was possibly because shopping was better in NYC, therefore she rooted for them in hopes of going to the World Series in an auspicious shopping environment. New York Giants trained in Pensacola briefly, the Merritts always attended
She "was not particularly democratic” according to Betty Nick and could be characterized as a snob. She referred to servants by their positions, not their names. Child raising was about what nice people do and don't do."
Lost five children. Two died on one day, a 2-year old from whooping cough and a newborn.
House at 619 N. Baylen was built 1892 by her brother C.H. Turner, they moved in when they were married.
Civic chairman of the Garden Club, DAR, UDC (Ladies Confederate Memorial Association) of Pensacola, beautification of Lee Square.
She had a Buick, would not accept a Chevrolet from Filo Turner (lower status vehicle). Daddy Merritt would not buy anything including a car unless he could pay cash. Johnny Gilliam was the chauffeur, remembers white seat covers frequently laundered.
Servants included Johnnny Gilliam, fondly remembered by Ted Nickinson.
Noted events in her life were:
• Occupation: Homemaker.
• Education: Alabama Female College, Tuscalousa.
• Religion: Presbyterian.
Mary married John Abercrombie MERRITT, son of Lucius Manlius (8) MERRITT and "Lizzie" Elizabeth Harriet MCGAUGHY, on 22 Nov 1892 in Pensacola, FL. (John Abercrombie MERRITT was born on 16 Mar 1864 in Russell County, AL, died on 31 Jan 1937 in Pensacola, FL and was buried in St. John's P'cola.)
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