Mermastine Turpeau

Mrs. Mermastine Turpeau, daughter of the late Bertha Lee Dark, was born on July 19, 1926 in Chatham County, NC. She departed this life in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa.

She lived her early life in Monroe, North Carolina and was educated in the Union County Public Schools System. Mermastine was described as a happy child who relished the company of six rambunctious siblings. Mermastine attended and was a member of Friendship Baptist Church where she developed a love of the Lord and an appreciation for his mercies. It was during her days at Friendship Baptist that Mermastine also developed a love for singing and could often be caught humming a tune.

She was united in holy matrimony to Joseph E. Turpeau on September 3, 1942 in Union County, North Carolina where they enjoyed a union spanning 56 years until his death in 1999.

Mermastine moved to Philadelphia, PA in 1953 where she continued her education graduating from Nursing School where she earned degree allowing her to serve as a licensed practical nurse. Mermastine enjoyed a rewarding 33 year career in nursing at Women’s Medical College, where she was able to channel her passion and love for nursing and children into a position working in the labor and delivery department. She developed a reputation for being an excellent nurse with an even temperament and was often assigned to preside and care for many of the areas “celebrity births”.

To her family Mermastine was viewed as mild-mannered but firm, soft spoken and kind, but above all one who loved her family beyond measure. She could be a touch sassy at times and was fond of letting everyone know “I’m all that!” Although she did not have any children of her own Mermastine had a special love for her nieces and nephews who could often count on her to assist them during life’s challenges. In her later years Mermastine and her nephew Johnny Kelly developed a special bond that would eventually lead to Johnny caring for her as only a son could, with consistent love and care.

Mermastine was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars and was an active member of Calvary United Church of Christ until recent years when her health declined and she was confined to her home. This did not deter her from reading the Bible and appreciating the sound of good hymn.

Those left to celebrate her life and cherish her memories are her loving sister Virginia Richardson, of Monroe, North Carolina, brother, John O. Kelly (Veronica), of Philadelphia, Pa, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.