Tura King

Tura “Cookie” Gunter King, 73, a beloved wife, devoted mother, dear sister, and loving “mimi”, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 17, 2024, after a brief illness. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, generosity, and service.

Tura was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on August 19, 1950, to Lamar Gunter and Virginia Bourque Gunter. She graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1969 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La. After earning her degree, Tura returned to College Station, Texas where she met the love of her life, John King, of Pearsall, Texas. They were married at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in 1981 and remained happily married. They had two children: Jonathan and Jessica King, whom she loved unconditionally.

Tura worked at Texas A&M University for more than 30 years in Public Relations, making many friends along the way. She especially loved- and excelled at-writing video scripts promoting the Aggie experience. She will be remembered for her willingness to always help others and enjoyed helping new employees who benefited from her knowledge and expertise.

Tura was a devout catholic and very active with the church ministries and programs during her lifetime. She was a Eucharistic Minister, and Catechist, teaching RCIA and other religious education classes. She taught hundreds of children and adults over the years showing them the love of Christ. She saw the good in everyone, no matter the circumstances and made lifelong friends through her service.

Tura had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved history and was a voracious reader. Her knowledge and stories lit up the room with conversation. She was an amazing mother, always proud of her children and encouraging them to follow their dreams. She treasured spending time with her family and going on family trips with her grandchildren. She loved being near water and nature. Many of her adventures included visits to state parks and Caddo Lake. We will all miss her wisdom, sense of humor, laughter and love.  Her spirit will continue to live on through her family and the countless lives she impacted.

Tura was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Hazel White, brothers Emanuel Kennedy and Dan Pelham.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, John King, son Jonathan King (Crystal); daughter Jessica King; grandsons Austin and Colton Kral; and Tyler King. Survivors also include her brothers Dennis Gunter (Gaylyn), Billy Covington (Carol); mother-in-law Patricia King; sisters-in-law Colleen Neal (Charles); Kathy Gray (Michael), Rebecca Pelham, Toni Kennedy, Carol Covington; brothers-in-law James White, Dennis King (Milica); Dan King (Michele), Kyle King (Laura), Mickey King (Nancy) and numerous nephews, nieces, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and dear friends. She will be missed by many.

The family would like to thank the many people who supported us throughout this difficult journey. We are also grateful for Enhabit Home Health & Hospice and CHI St. Joseph Hospital for the love and care provided to Tura.

Vigil Service will be Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Callaway Jones Funeral & Cremation Center in Bryan, Texas from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rosary will be said at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be Friday, July 26, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in College Station, Texas at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Wellborn Cemetery in Wellborn, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Tura dedicated years to raising funds and promoting awareness of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and participating in the Jerry Lewis Telethon.