Alice Katherine Durbin

Alice Turner-Durbin, born on October 30, 1935, in Terrell, Texas, passed away on November 18, 2025 surrounded by family. She was the daughter of Shorty Lee Turner and Mattie Alice Henson-Turner. Born and raised in Terrell, Alice lived her entire life in her beloved hometown, surrounded by the people, places, and traditions that meant so much to her.

Alice lived a life defined by hard work, devotion, and an unwavering love for her family. She began working at the remarkable age of 13 and went on to serve many years as a dedicated nurse. She later retired after serving many years of dedication to the Terrell State Hospital. Her compassion, strength, and commitment to caring for others touched countless lives.

Alice found joy in traveling—especially taking cruises or flying, and she loved to go driving the countryside where she explored new places and making memories. Lake Tahoe being one of her top favorite places to visit, where she went over a dozen times or so. Alice liked snapping a photo of anything and everything. She also enjoyed playing the slot machines and celebrated many exciting wins over the years. In her later years, nothing brought her more peace than spending time with her family and watching the birds from home. Later on in her life she developed a love for all things, sports, from football to tennis or even the rodeo and spent a lot of her days watching them on her TV.

Above all, Alice was a loving and fiercely protective mother to her 11 children. Her family was the center of her world, and she leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and deep family bonds.

Alice is survived by her children: James Groessel; Tommy Groessel and wife Nan; Mary Bunch and husband Terry; Bruce Groessel; Charlie Bannister and husband Ricky Crow; Ronald Durbin; Daniel Durbin and partner Ismail; Donald Durbin; and Jeff Smith; one brother Jerry Turner and his husband Jim LeCroy, along with 24 grandchildren whom she adored, numerous great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A special mention goes to her nephews Ricky and Timmy Hill, and her grandson Bubba and caregiver Dee, who all held a special place in her heart especially in the last year of her life. They all provided special comfort for her and made many visits to sit and spend time with her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; four siblings—Frank Turner, Nancy Hill, Joyce Hunter, and Doug Turner; her two sons, Sonny Groessel and Terry Groessel; her grandson Joshua Smith; and her daughter-in-law Ruth Groessel.

Funeral services for Alice Turner-Durbin will be held at Anderson Clayton Funeral Home in Terrell, Texas, on November 22, 2025. Visitation will take place that same day from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m.

Alice will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and the deep love she gave so freely. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.