Created:04/12/2011 11:21:11 PM
Author:David Laney
Key thought:Jack Turner's Mother Passed away

Comments:

Marquerite R. Turner, 91 of El Dorado, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2011, at John R. Williamson Hospice House. She was born January 31, 1920, to Robert and Rose Smith. She graduated from Covington, Oklahoma High School at the top of her class with perfect attendance, she then sold her piano to get money to go to business college. Upon finishing she met and married Jack Turner in Shreveport, La while he was in fight training for WWII.

She moved to El Dorado from Texas in the 1950’s where she at once became involved in her children’s school and was a Campfire Girl and Boy Scout leader. Marguerite was a member of First United Methodist Church of El Dorado.

Her passion was community service and politics. Among her many accomplishments, she was past president of Desk and Derrick, League of Women Voters, Christian Women Fellowship, and helped found Spice of Life Tea Room, a nonprofit restaurant established by the Christian Women Fellowship. She was instrumental in establishing Early Childhood Development programs for underprivileged children, as well as transportation for Senior Citizens in the late 60’s and 70’s. She was a key player in establishing the location and building of the Arkansas Oil and Brine Museum now named Museum of Natural Resources. She was a diehard Republican and delegate to the Republican National Convention as well as Arkansas representative for the League of Women Voter Conference. She was proud to have mentored many young people in her life and encouraged them to be civic minded and get involved in politics in their community.

In her life, Marguerite ran for Mayor, State Senator, State Representative, and Justice of Peace. Whatever position she held, president, secretary, treasurer, reporter, she took seriously and performed with passion. She attributed her ability to handle this to her excellent training at the Enid Business College.

She loved to play and watch golf. Even though she was an average player, she won several awards for being the best putter. She was instrumental in reviving and expansion of the El Dorado Lion’s Club.

Preceding her in death are her parents Robert and Rose Smith of Hewins, Kansas; brother Cecil Smith; and granddaughter, Rebecca Turner.

Survivors include her husband, Jack L. Turner, Sr.; sons, Jack Turner, Jr. of El Dorado, Robert M. Turner of Nector, Alabama; daughter, Janice Hughes of Smackover; grandchildren, Stephanie, Justin, and Joshua Turner, Natalie, John Adam, and Chance Hughes; and great grandchildren, Liam and Aiden Mantooth.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Young's.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2011 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Polk officiating. Burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730, or Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, 419 S. Madison, El Dorado, AR 71730.




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