Mae Lois Turner

It is with great sadness that the family of Mae Lois “Mae Mae” Turner announce her passing on April 14th, 2025 at the age of 86 in Redding, California. Mae was born May 16, 1938 in Pulaski County, Mississippi to the late Mary Magdalene “Maggie” and John Wesley Parratt Sr. She moved to Redding in 1950 with her parents and attended Sequoia Middle School and then Shasta High School. During high school she ran on the track and field team and was the school mascot.

As a child she watched her midwife grandmother assist women during childbirth, which is where her love for labor and delivery began. Mae obtained her nursing degree from Shasta College and spent her career working at Mercy Medical Center as a devoted labor and delivery nurse. These years were the joy of her life and she often spoke about the numerous children she helped deliver. It was common for Mae to be approached by women in the community praising her for her guidance and encouragement during their labor. In her retirement she started a daycare in her home, where she was able to continue supporting families in Redding.

Mae took great pride in her friendships, being a grandmother, and serving her community. She volunteered on the board at Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Redding, helping organize various programs and the Civil Rights march for MLK Jr. Day. She was a member of the Precious Stones Social Circle, a group created by her closest friends to provide a safe space for Black women to honor their sisterhood. Mae also was also an active member of St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church, dedicating her time as the treasurer and hosting bible studies in her home. During service, Mae would be seen comforting babies and rocking them to sleep. Mae was known for her charm, warmth, and hospitality. Her kitchen was a sanctuary where love was baked into every slice of her famous apple, sweet potato, and lemon pies. Her home was a shelter for many, filled with hugs, laughter, and the comfort of unconditional support.

Those who knew and loved Mae will remember her for her unwavering faith in God, her dedication to helping others, and her story telling. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Mae leaves behind her brother John (Jack) Wesley Parratt Jr; her children Cristina Lorae Donna Smith, Edward Leslie Machen and MarCella Francine Turner; her grandchildren Kiszy and Kisha Machen, Mikah Turner-Alexander, Josh Machen and Sergio Green; and her great-grandchildren Tyreko Mattox, Kaia Deraat, Cassius and Kofi MacDonald.