Marilyn Turner

Marilyn Turner
On Saturday, April 23, 2022 Marilyn Turner, cherished wife, loving mother, grandmother, and dear friend entered her heavenly home. Marilyn's steadfast faith and relentless hope has now become sight; her journey is complete and she is now with Jesus, her Lord and Savior.
Marilyn Louise Dresser was born April 15, 1936 to John and Sarah (Rogers) Dresser in Detroit, Michigan. Marilyn received her RN from Grace Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit. After graduating, she was united in marriage to the love of her life Stewart Manley Turner on August 10, 1957.
Marilyn worked as a nurse for 35 years. While this was her chosen career path, her life was truly defined by serving the Lord through her faith, loving her family and volunteering with many organizations throughout her years. In addition to raising their own children, Marilyn and Stewart were foster parents and host parents to several foreign exchange students, and treasured the relationships they had with them.
Marilyn's heart was to help, teach and love on others, especially those who were hurting and may have felt alone. On her journey through life, Marilyn would see a need and then participate in a solution. She began a local preschool for underprivileged children. From her home Marilyn enjoyed instructing swimming lessons to many. For many years, in multiple locations, Marilyn invested in the lives of young ladies through Girl Scouts of America. Through GSA she not only led troops, she also served as summer camp director at Camp Oak Hills, in Harrison, and Camp Neyati, in Farwell. She was honored as a Trainer for Girl Scouts and was recognized with awards for her many years of service.
Marilyn was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and was actively involved in a variety of positions serving in many ministries. Marilyn also volunteered with Red Cross, Hospice, Stephen's Ministries, and many other Christian Women's Ministry groups. Marilyn enjoyed traveling the world with Stewart. As an avid gardener, she always treasured time in her flower gardens, observing beautiful birds, especially cardinals, and watching butterflies. Marilyn enjoyed sewing and developed a gift of quilting. Her passion was to make quilts and give them to others: police officers, veterans and many who were ill, she wanted people to know they were seen and loved. Her love continued to be shared with others through her gift of baking and writing cards filled with words of encouragement. Marilyn made a difference by sacrificially serving and giving of herself to others which will be remembered by many.
Marilyn is survived by her sister Janice (Richard) Sills, children; Sheryl (Rob) Robbins, Susan Owens, and Sara Turner; 6 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by the rest of her extended family and dear friends that have become "family" over the years, all whom she loved deeply.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Stewart Turner; her mother, Sarah Dresser; her father, John Dresser; and her brothers; William Dresser, John (Jack) Dresser, and James Dresser.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, May 19th at 12:00 noon at Ware-Smith Woolever Funeral Home located at 1200 W. Wheeler Street, Midland, Michigan 48640. The family requests you to honor Marilyn by wearing red or colorful clothing to celebrate her life.
Memorial donations may be given in honor of Marilyn to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Americans Hospice Care Incorporated - 2575 McLeod Dr. N, Suite C, Saginaw, Michigan 48604.
The family of Marilyn Turner wishes to thank all of the care workers, the pastors, church staff, as well as dear friends who have shown great care and love during this time.