Hollis Gail Turnham

Hollis Gail Turnham

Hollis Gail Turnham, 71, died August 5, 2023 in Lansing, Michigan following a challenging battle against cancer. Hollis was born November 4, 1951 in Gainesville, Texas, the second daughter of the late Dave and Dorothy Turnham of Nacogdoches, Texas.

Growing up in East Texas Hollis attended Nacogdoches public schools which launched her legal and public service career as an advocate for elderly Americans. After graduating from Stephen F Austin State University in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in English and History, Hollis graduated from The University of Texas School of Law in 1977 with a J.D.

Hollis was a towering figure in advocacy for older adults in Michigan for decades. She was a super smart, savvy, powerful, one of a kind advocate with an unshakable determination to make things better for people who used long term supports and services; as well as, an unrelenting advocate for the individuals who provide these services and support.

Hollis started her career as a VISTA Volunteer attorney at a Navajo reservation and then came to Michigan as a Title III-B elder law attorney in legal services in Lenawee and Jackson Counties. Hollis then served as the Michigan State Long-Term Care Ombudsman for 16 years. Her work as state ombudsman made Michigan a national leader in long-term care advocacy. She was deeply loved and appreciated in the national advocacy world as a mentor who had a profound influence on many advocates working today.

During her tenure as the state LTC Ombudsman, Hollis also chaired the Elder Law and Advocacy section of the State Bar of Michigan and worked with numerous federal agencies on legal rights for elders. Hollis continued her advocacy work in Washington DC as the John Heinz Senate Fellow in Aging. She worked on the successful reauthorization of the Older Americans Act and staffed Senator James M Jeffords' (R-VT) membership with the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Aging.

Hollis joined PHI-Qualify Care through Quality Jobs as its Midwest Director and Michigan Manager. There she worked 15 years as a fierce advocate for the rights of direct care workers. Through all her state and federal work, Hollis always fought for the disenfranchised, spoke for the voiceless, and a living example of how to care for the least fortunate people. All Hollis' advocacy work led the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (NASOP) to establish the Hollis Turnham Advocacy Award in her honor.

Hollis was more than a lawyer and advocate. She was a strong, independent woman who loved a dirty martini, gardening in her yard, collecting pottery, a good book, the Antique Roadshow and dark chocolate. Nothing made her happier than watching a Detroit Tigers game with her baseball buddies and supporting the MSU Spartans, especially if they won.

Hollis was an "engaged community volunteer" with the Delta Township Library and Meals on Wheels. She also continued to volunteer legal assistance to various organizations and individuals who requested her help. She loved to travel and experience any food adventure with family or friends. An evening spent savoring some exotic cuisine with an appropriate cocktail, laughing loudly with her family, friends and co-workers, is the best way to remember Holly.

Holly is survived by three sisters and their spouses; Dawn and Mark Casebeer, Kathy and Russell Schexnaider, and Sharon Elaine and Larry Tate; one brother and spouse, Dave and Lynne Kay Turnham; one niece, Yantina Ironsmith; and five nephews, Samuel Watson, William Watson, Andrew Watson, Thomas Bell and Del Turnham. Holly also is survived by her best buddy, Tia, the 20 year-old diva dachshund, and a large family of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Dave and Dorothy Turnham, her sister Debbie Turnham, and nephew Nathan E. Bell.

The family would like to thank the kind, caring staff at Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh residence and her compassionate network of friends. Hollis was very grateful for all the support, love and assistance that came from her many friends and ombudsman buddies here in Michigan and nationwide. You all made a difference in her life and others.

Celebrations of life will be held at a future date in Michigan and Texas. Remembrances may be made to any of the following organizations-

Consumer Voice for Long-Term Care, Delta Township Library Bookstore, The ARC-Michigan, Lansing Hospice Stoneleigh Residence, Habitat for Humanity, the MSU Jazz program, and Lansing Food Bank.