Kate Lee Turbeville

Kate Lee Turbeville, 91, passed peacefully on July 20, 2026, at White Oak Manor in Newberry, South Carolina. Born on September 15, 1934, in Camden, South Carolina, Kate was the daughter of the late Purdy and Myrtle Lee. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; Horace W. Turbeville and a sister; Mary Elizabeth Lee Harre. Kate earned her master’s degree in special education and devoted her career to teaching special education at the secondary level. She touched the lives of countless students with her compassion, patience, and dedication to helping others reach their full potential. She found great joy in playing the piano, singing with family, listening to music, and dancing. A woman of deep faith, Kate was of the Baptist faith and lived a life centered on kindness, love, and service to others. Above all, Kate treasured her family. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with those she loved. She is survived by her daughters, Melissa T. Crocker (Ron), Allyson T. French (Pryor), and Cynthia T. Baird; her grandchildren, Camilla C. Skenes (Adam), Olivia Rose, Carli Crocker, Georgia R. Lopes (Joey), and Zachary French; four cherished great- grandchildren; and a special family friend, Karen Day. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 24, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway, South Carolina. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Agape Hospice of South Carolina for the compassionate care and support provided during Kate’s final journey. They offer a special thank you to her dedicated nurse, Shasta Freeman, R.N., and her caring CNA, Shanae Coates, whose kindness, professionalism, and genuine compassion brought comfort not only to Kate but also to her family. The family also wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the exceptional staff of White Oak Manor of Newberry for the loving, kind, and compassionate care they provided. Their dignity, respect, and unwavering support will always be remembered with sincere gratitude. Kate will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of family and music, her dedication to her students, and the kindness and compassion she showed throughout her life. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Kate Lee Turbeville

September 15, 1934 - July 20, 2026