Audrey passed away on Thursday, February 28th. She was born in Izard County, Arkansas to Dollie and Dudley Dockins. She was the 5th of 7 children. All her siblings preceded her in death. Mom and her four sisters moved to the Yakima Valley when they were young women. They remained extremely close throughout the years. When they were all together, they had to sing. Mom always loved singing, she even wrote a couple of songs. One that was loosely based on her life was so hysterical she couldn’t sing it without laughing.
Mom had a tough life, but she never let it get her down. She was widowed in her early 40’s, left with four children. The youngest, Kevin, was 7 months old and diagnosed with Down Syndrome. She was advised to place him in an institution. She wouldn’t even consider it. She was determined to keep him with her and with the help of family, she was able to do that. She had a special bond with Kevin, and it was heart-warming to watch them together. Her son Steve passed away in 2002, and she never really recovered from that. To say she loved her children is an understatement. Her entire life revolved around her family.
Mom had a wicked sense of humor and loved April Fools Day! She went to elaborate lengths to pull off her stunts. She plotted for weeks to come up with the perfect prank. She said it was her one claim to fame.
Our mother never met a stranger. She could be in a grocery line and find out the most intimate details about the person next to her. Telemarketers would call and she knew their life story before she hung up. She loved to talk!
Mom was known for her red hair. She always said, that as long as ‘Miss Clairol” was around, she would never be a little old lady. She was very touchy about anyone knowing her true age. She didn’t think she was old and if you were smart, you did not mention it to her.
Her favorite color was pink, and everyone knew it because she seldom wore any other color. She was a wonderful and unique person. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, and her son, Steve. She leaves behind her son, Jerry Turner, and wife Margaret. Daughter, Terri Storlie and husband Tom, and her beloved son, Kevin. Grandsons: Lonnie, Joseph and Cody Turner. Granddaughters: Gayelynn Davis and Carissa Lounsbury. Great grandchildren Amber, Joseph, Kenny, Maggie, Chambray, Lacey, Angela, Zoe and Rowen. Great, great grandchildren: Spencer and Olive.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Manor for the amazing care and attention they gave Mom the last two years; truly a great group of people. Would also like to thank JoAnn and the hospice care team for their support and guidance. Mom enjoyed sharing her stories and thanks to all who listened!
We will be having an informal gathering at Rainier Memorial Center at 2807 Terrace Heights Drive at 3:00pm, Saturday the 9th of March. We want to celebrate Mom’s life with family and friends. Nothing would make Mom happier than a roomful of people focused on her. If you like pink, wear it!
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory or honor of Audrey to the Special Olympics Washington, 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 370, Seattle, WA 98121.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com
