Julia 'Judy' Grace Turner Obituary (1921 - 2018)

Julia "Judy" Grace Turner, was born in Drumwright, Oklahoma on October 4, 1921. Her family moved to Oklahoma City where she graduated from Central High School. While a junior at Central High School, Judy met her future husband, Harvey Turner who was a senior at Central High School. After graduating from Central High School, Harvey enrolled in a Post Graduate program at Central High School to continue to be with Judy until her graduation, in 1939. After graduation, Harvey was employed with the Retail Credit Company (now Equifax) and was transferred to Alice, Texas. While in Alice, Harvey actually sent Judy her engagement and weddings rings in the mail. Judy and Harvey married, August 11, 1941 at the Second Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Judy was a very special person who spent a lifetime in the service of others. She was very involved in civic and church community service throughout her life. Both Judy and Harvey devoted their lives to the betterment of children and raising the quality of living for children, youth and the elderly. Judy served over 40 years as a volunteer for the Texas Association of Hospital Auxiliaries and served on the State Board of Directors for 25 of those years wherein she held various positions; Treasurer, Second Vice President, First Vice President, and President as well as on the Scholarship Committee. She devoted more than 35 years as a volunteer at the Pasadena General Hospital, and was instrumental in convincing the Hospital to set aside a lobby retail space to establish the Hospital Gift Shop. When Pasadena General closed its doors, Judy continued her hospital volunteer work with Bayshore Hospital and helped manage and purchase product for their gift shop as well. Judy held many offices, including President, in the United Methodist Women's group at Sunset United Methodist Church, where she and Harvey were Charter Members, involved in the planning and organization of Sunset's current location. As a long-time member of Sunset United Methodist Church, she served on the Administrative Board. Judy also worked tirelessly with the Arts & Crafts Joy Circle making crafts to be sold with the proceeds being given to various missions. She was a participating member of the Community Activities Group, which made regular visitations to local hospitals, The Bridge and Nursing Homes. She also served on the Houston East District Executive Team of United Methodist Women. This organization was the largest Women's Organization in the world, involving various methods of assisting youth, women, and children around the world. Judy was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, ceramics, jewelry making, and arts and crafts. She had a small business she called "Judy's Creations." Julia "Judy" Grace Turner is survived by her daughter, Susan Turner Tyree, her granddaughters Julie Tyree and Jennifer Tyree Vaughn, her grandson-in-law, Ronnie Vaughn, her great grandson Zachary Vaughn, and countless friends and acquaintances who were touched by her effervescent personality, compassion and love of life.