Marilyn Denise Turner

Marilyn Denise Turner, 74, of Williamsburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2025, surrounded by those she loved.
Marilyn was born in Atchison, Kansas on September 15, 1950, to the late Raymond Turner and the late Helen (Weimer) Turner.
In 1983, Marilyn became the first woman hired in the maintenance department of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). She started as a maintenance crew worker, and through hard work and leadership was promoted to crew leader, eventually retiring as a Maintenance Area Supervisor. She was highly respected by her colleagues and known for her strong work ethic and practical wisdom. In addition to her work with MoDOT, Marilyn also worked at the Callaway County Nuclear Plant as a union laborer, contributing her skills to one of the region's major energy projects. She also served her community as a bail bonds agent. A role that showcased her fearless nature. She wasn't afraid to track someone down when they skipped bail-and she often did so with tenacity and determination that made her unforgettable in that line of work.
A woman of faith and generous spirit, she was a dedicated member of Unity Baptist Church. Her strong sense of community was also reflected in her active involvement with the Boone Slick Muzzle Loaders of New Florence, Missouri, and the Missouri Off Hand Association.
Marilyn devoted much of her time to serving others. She volunteered her time at The Free Store, offering kindness and support to those in need. She trained others in CPR and first aid through the American Red and selflessly gave her time during the devastating flood of 1997 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, spending two weeks providing aid and support.
Her life was full of adventure and creativity. She was an avid oil painter, a skilled markswoman in muzzle loading shooting competitions-where she earned numerous medals, and an enthusiastic camper, and enjoyed going horseback riding. Marilyn also had a passion for raising chickens, many of them over the years.
Among her most cherished memories were the births of her children and grandchildren, taking her grandsons to the State Games of America in 2015, the many muzzle loading competitions she competed in with pride and success, and the experiences of participating in a cattle drive in Wyoming, a true reflection of her adventurous spirit.
Marilyn lived her life to serve, help, and love others. She will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and generosity. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she held so dear.
Those that remain to cherish Marilyn's memory are her sons; Kevin Johnson; daughters, Michelle Johnson, Elizabeth Kirchhof (Robert), Cheryl Shores; grandchildren, Kacie Johnson (Bryan McCown), Joshua Johnson (Erin), Kaden Johnson, Brooke Painter, Keegan Painter, Skyla Johnson, Hunter Schroer, Jordan Overcash (Donovan), Logan Kirchhof, Dakota Feely, Mason Feely, Asa Bodenhorn, James Badger; great grandchildren, Daxton and June Overcash, and niece, Olivia Sudholt.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Timothy Johnson, grandson, Connor Schroer, and sister, Barbara Sudholt.
Funeral services will be held at Maupin Funeral Home on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Delbert Hampton officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral Home. Interment will be held in Unity Baptist Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Unity Baptist Church, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com