Martha "Mawee" Turner

Martha Turner "Mawee",  90, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, died on Monday, June 1, 2026, at her residence in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Born Wednesday, March 4, 1936, in Chic, Tennessee, she was the daughter of the late Jessie Lee "Duck" Vestal and the late Irene Geneva Bizzle Vestal "Snoody". 

"Mawee," was a woman whose life was defined by faith, hard work, love, and devotion to her family. She retired after twenty-seven years of dedicated service in the Environmental Services Department at Parkview Methodist Medical Center. Martha was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence in everything she undertook. A loyal employee and dependable coworker, she formed many lasting friendships throughout her years of service.

A faithful member of Independent Free Holiness Church, her love for the Lord was evident in the way she lived her life. She and her husband played an instrumental role in helping build the church, leaving a legacy of faith and service that will continue for generations.

"Mawee" was a gifted cook whose kitchen was often the gathering place for family and friends. Her chicken and dressing and strawberry pie became treasured family favorites that will be remembered with every shared meal and holiday gathering. She was also a talented seamstress who lovingly sewed for her family, creating both practical items and cherished memories.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially watching the birds that visited her yard. More than anything, Martha loved her family beyond measure. She was always willing to go above and beyond to help those she loved, never hesitating to lend a hand whenever needed.

Known for her tireless energy and determination, Martha believed there was always work to be done. Family members often joked that if you were around her, she certainly would not let you take a nap. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Turner will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, June 5, 2026 at the Independent Free Holiness Church located at 2025 Upper Finley Road in Dyersburg, Tennessee. Officiating this service will be Bro. Calvin Smith. Interment will follow in Sorrell's Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home and on Friday from 1:30 PM until 2:30 at the Independent Free Holiness Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Betty K. DeSpain (Bill) of Dyersburg, Tennessee and Joyce "Penny" Sanders of Dyersburg, Tennessee; two sisters, Faye Riley of South Carolina and Brenda Joan Andujar of Puerto Rico; five brothers, Duran Vestal of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Lloyd  Wayne Vestal (Carolyn) of Dyersburg, Tennessee, Dwayne Vestal of Branson, Missouri, James Vestal (Ima) of Finley, Tennessee and Tim Vestal (Valerie) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Chasity DeSpain of Dyersburg, Tennessee and Veronica Edwards (Allen) of Big Sandy, Tennessee; three great-grandchildren, Andrew Jordan, Kristine' Simmons (Derek) and Jewelya Edwards and five great-great grandchildren, Eli Arnold, Makena Simmons, Tanner Jordan, Grayson Jordan and Michael Simmons.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar Turner, one great-great granddaughter, Elsie Gray Jordan; one sister, Peggy Shults and five brothers, Thomas Evon Vestal, Andrew Vestal, Ray Vestal, Lanny Joe Vestal and Terry Lee Vestal.

Honoring Mrs.Turner as pallbearers will be Brodie Fowler, Kjoevik Fowler, River Fowler, David Parish, Bryson Cole and Chris Vestal. Honorary pallbearer will be Eli Arnold.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Martha "Mawee" Turner.

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