BETTY MAXINE TURNER

BETTY MAXINE TURNER Betty Maxine Turner was born into eternal life on January 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She had just celebrated her 94th birthday on New Year's Eve. Betty was born to Edna Winsauer Jonas and Max Rudolph Jonas in San Antonio, TX on December 31, 1930. Betty spent her early years on a farm in Seguin, TX, growing up with her younger brother Allen and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family moved to Mathis, TX when she was in high school, where she graduated in 1949. She attended Texas A & I in Kingsville, where she met her husband Earl Turner. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education and married Earl in 1952. They started their married life in the Rio Grande Valley, where Earl taught high school and coached football, and Betty taught elementary school. Sons David and Mark were born in south Texas before the family moved to Irving. They had a daughter, Tammy, and in 1961, moved to Denison for another coaching job. After her fourth child, Deborah, was born, Betty resumed her teaching career. She earned her Masters of Education degree from East Texas StateUniversity. Betty taught primarily fifth and sixth grade English at Layne Elementary for many years. She later taught Reading at B McDaniel Intermediate School until her retirement after 31 years of service. Betty loved teaching, and touched the lives of many children, including children of her former students. She built cherished lifelong friendships with fellow teachers and sorority sisters from college. Reunions and girls trips with these dear friends brought her much joy. Betty was a member of Waples Methodist Church for more than 60 years. She loved the Lord, and church was an important part of her life. She was a study leader of her UMW group and held numerous officer positions in clubs including Chelsea Park Garden Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Denison Service League. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and at Terrell Elementary. She was an avid football fan, and rooted for the Denison Yellow Jackets, Dallas Cowboys, and Texas Longhorns. Betty had a sharp mind and played in several bridge groups up until her death. Her bridge friends were like family to her, and she treasured their time together. She also had wonderful neighbors that took great care of her. She was dearly loved by her family, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren filled her with happiness. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Edna Jonas, her grandson, Brian Turner, and husband, Earl Turner. She is survived by her brother Allen Jonas (JoAnn) of Alvin, Texas; her children: David Turner (Sylvana) of Denison, Mark Turner (Ruby) of Stephenville, Tammy Riddle (Doni) of Hilton Head, SC, and Deborah Wise Lucian (Robert) of Denison; her grandchildren: Alana Gammill (Chris), Theresa Turner, Erin Bailys (Brandon), Alyssa Peck (Andrew), Amelia Doherty, and Kai Doherty; and her great-grandchildren: Jaxon Gammill, Brantley and Addison Peck and Turner Bailys. She is also survived by her beloved cat Willie, who is living the high life with his new adopted family. Betty's family would like to thank the countless kind and exceptional care givers at Texoma Medical Center and Cedar Hollow Rehabilation Center. A memorial service honoring Betty's life will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Waples Memorial United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Graveside service will be at Fairview Cemetery Chapel at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waples Memorial United Methodist Church in Denison or Shriners Children's Hospital.