Mary Eleanor Turner Yates departed this life peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland. She was born to the late James and Maria Turner on June 23, 1924 in La Plata, Maryland.

Mary was more affectionately known as Puddin. She received her education at BelAlton High School and was a faithful member of St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Port Tobacco, Maryland. Mary was united in Holy Matrimony to the late James Lewis Yates, from this union they were blessed with eight loving children. One son, James Turner preceded her in death.

She was employed as a housekeeper for sixty years with the Keech/Turner Family Estate.

Mary was very passionate when it came to her family, she loved being around and doing things with her children. She was a very soft spoken, kind and giving person who enjoyed playing cards, bingo and slots, watching football, traveling and a good restaurant. Her favorite song was "Always & Forever".

She leaves to mourn her passing but cherish fond memories: four daughters: Louise Patricia Harris, Barbara Jones, Agnes Bullock and Margaret Yates; four sons: James Yates Jr., Daniel Yates, Robert Yates and Thomas Yates; two daughters-in-law: Belinda Yates and Betty Yates; three sons-in-law: Donnie Harris, Fabian Jones and Jamal Bullock; fifteen grandchildren; Anthony Harris, Jeremy Harris, Brittney Yates, Brian Yates, Brandon Yates, Thomas Yates Jr., Joshua Bullock, Imani Yates, Derrick Turner, Kareem Turner, Malcolm Turner, Vanessa Holly and Leland Burns, Brittney and Brian Sweetney; one great-grandchild: Derrick Turner Jr.; three sisters-in-law: Emma Yates, Mary Yates and Arlene Smith; a special friend, Betty Jean Wills and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing, 9:30 to 10:30am. Mass of Christian Burial, 11am Thursday, January 14 at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 8855 Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco, Maryland. Interment, 11am Friday, January 15 Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland.

Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.