Johnnie Nell Turner

Johnnie Nell Towry Turner
November 21, 1934-August 17, 2020

Johnnie Nell Towry Turner, 85, of New Market, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17th.

Nell was an active member of both the Hazel Green and New Market communities. She grew up in Hazel Green at her home place, which has since become Towry Acres. Nell attended Hazel Green United Methodist Church and was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship. She graduated from Hazel Green High School, “Greenies,” in 1952. In 1953, she moved to New Market with her husband, Thomas Aubrey Turner, Junior. There, the couple lived on Hereford-Turner Farms to raise their four children. After her husband’s passing in 1970, she continued to maintain the family farm. Nell retired from the United States Postal Service where she served her community as a rural mail carrier. She was active in the New Market Homemaker’s Club and The Red Hat Society. She also served as an Elder for New Market Presbyterian Church. Nell was loved by her community, family, and friends. For those closest to her, Nell leaves behind a legacy of family bonds, value of education, and relentless hard work.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Aubrey Turner, Junior; her parents, Lev and Dessie Towry; her siblings Raymond (Beryl) Little, Loyce (Ruth) Towry, Billy (Helen) Towry, and Jimmie Ann Towry Anderson; her brother-in-law, Thompson Sisco; and her son-in-law, Garr Streelman.

Nell’s surviving children include Sheila (Eloy) Torrez, Susan Turner, Tom (Debby) Turner, and Laura (Eugene) Faulk. Nell’s surviving sister is Jean Towry Sisco and her brother-in-law is Wannie Anderson. Those who called her Nana include Lauren (Mitch) Jankovic, Lindsay (Blake) East, Kevin Turner, Anna Laura (Micah) O’Dell, Aubrey Torrez, Susan Reneè Faulk, and great-granddaughter, Eiley East. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Nell.

There will be a private family graveside service in New Market. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Market Presbyterian Church.
Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.