The Estate of Martha Turner Bauguss
A Grand Dame of Houston
A small-town girl with boundless energy, a love for music and a steadfast devotion to God, Mary Martha Fuller once daydreamed about a future that involved dressing up to go to work, while fashionably outfitting her paper dolls. In Hemphill, East Texas (population: 972), achieving this dream could have seemed nearly impossible, yet it was precisely this upbringing that would profoundly impact Martha’s life and set her remarkable trajectory.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Martha’s family’s dry goods and feed store provided her with early lessons in salesmanship and sparked her desire to be a working woman, while her love for music led her to pursue a college education at the University of North Texas. In 1962, Martha earned a degree in music and elementary education. While in school, Martha met her first husband on a blind date and shortly thereafter relocated to Austin, where he was attending law school. Austin would soon power-charge Martha Turner’s potential and cement her as a timeless Texas legend.
Not one to shy away from hard work, Martha took on a part-time sales job at Austin’s Montgomery Ward, while teaching full-time. Unsurprising to anyone who knew her, Martha sold more lingerie as a part-time employee than her full-time colleagues. With uncanny confidence and unbridled business acumen, Martha partnered with one of her fellow educators to start a wig store – the first of many successful entrepreneurial endeavors.
While teaching, Martha also discovered an innate penchant and passion for real estate. Over several years, she would go on to remodel, build and sell several homes. Becoming a real estate maven, however, is not something Martha could’ve imagined, but before long, she would go on to claim that distinction – and then some.
Home in Houston
Martha retired from teaching in 1978, following a 15-year career that included stints at Spring Branch and at River Oaks Baptist in Houston, where she relocated in 1966. Houston would not only become Martha’s forever home but also be a key player in her professional and personal lives. It was the Houston community within which Martha thrived and to which she notably and generously gave back.
An adamant believer in paying it forward, Martha devoted her talent and time to various civic, philanthropic and professional leadership roles. More than a businesswoman, Martha’s family and friends remember her as an agent of change within the Houston community: inspiring, encouraging and generous. She was an ardent supporter of health care, women’s organizations, the arts and education.
"To be successful, you have to love what you do, love the people around you, make everyone feel special, and realize that you are the only person in charge of your life.”
– Martha Turner Bauguss
Blazing Trails
Ushering in a new era of unprecedented success, Turner Owens Real Estate became Martha Turner Properties in 1986. Joining hands with Glenn Bauguss, her husband of 33 years, and treasured business partner, Tom Anderson, they created a luxury brand real estate firm second to none.
Martha Turner Properties would go on to become one of Houston’s largest and most profitable brokers, with more than 200 sales associates across six offices in the Greater Houston area. In 2014, Martha Turner Properties had its best year ever in the company’s 32-year history, surpassing more than $2.3 billion in annual sales and ranking among the country’s top 10 firms.
In 2014, Martha Turner Properties sold to Sotheby’s International Realty of New York, with Martha notably telling a reporter, “We are the jewel in their crown!” Today, the firm continues to bear her name as Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.
Fashion Forward
The small-town girl who once daydreamed of dressing up to go to work fulfilled that vision in more ways than one. Well-known for her uncompromising flare for fashion, Martha had a penchant for oversized brooches and rings, as well as statement necklaces and bracelets.
Dressing professionally was a tenet of Martha’s business philosophy. She understood the role that image and style played in forging credibility and success, and she communicated that sentiment to her sales agents. Her team knew to be “Martha Ready!”
Martha’s style was as formidable as her brand’s visibility. A big believer in advertising, Martha Turner Properties’ presence across yard signs, television and print and digital media was bold and ubiquitous, earning her the Lifetime Achievement Award for Women Who Mean Business by the Houston Business Journal and the Trailblazer Award from Houston’s chapter of the American Advertising Federation.
"I met Martha many years ago, and I’m not sure I’ve ever known anyone with a more loving, giving heart. Through the years I asked her to support innumerable charities; the answer was always affirmative! Equally as important, I know that Martha helped so many people in need without anyone’s knowledge. She was the ultimate expression of God’s love here on earth.”
– Warner Roberts,
Friend of Martha Turner Bauguss
Faith, Family & Friends
A compass from childhood, faith was central to Martha’s life, with family and friends rounding out her north star. Generous with her time and affection, those closest to Martha describe her as a light, a treasure. Her ever-positive spirit guided each step of her every day walk of life.
Possessing an extraordinary business acumen, one of Martha’s gifts was her unintimidating approach, putting everyone around her at ease. Her friends and family saw her as fun-loving, with a loyalty that knew no bounds. Her personal time was often marked by her “hobby” of exploring the latest fashion and makeup tips alongside her best friend of more than 40 years, Sharon Witt. This exploration embraced her creativity, which harkened back to childhood days.
Everyone who was fortunate to have known Martha would wholeheartedly agree that she possessed a heart of gold.
New Orleans Auction is honored to present The Estate of Martha Turner Bauguss, including selections from her beloved Houston apartment. Her collection features antique furniture, impressionist and modern paintings, as well as custom Scalamandre upholstered furniture, silver and Chinese porcelain.