Helen M. Turner's Obituary
Helen Martha Glish Turner of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully with family on October, 10, 2019, at the young age of 99 years. Her only child and daughter in law were there with her as she took the last breath of a life well lived.She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1920. Helen is preceded in death by her father Rudolph Glish of Deutschlansberg, Austria, Martha Batke Glish of Viedergdowit, Schlesien, her husband of 31 years, Howard Duncan Turner, and her younger sister Anna Glish of Maple Shade, NJ.She is survived by her son, Douglas Lee Turner (Patricia), two granddaughters, Kellie Turner Jones (Kevin), Kimberly Turner Koett (Kenneth), and two great grandsons, Turner (his grandfather and great grandparents’ namesake) and Harrison (a true gift from God).She worked in a factory making curtains during the war, and survived the Great Depression with ration tickets to spare. She epitomized chutzpah and always spoke her mind. Until her vision was almost completely gone a few months ago, she faithfully read the daily newspaper, even if it required the use of a magnifying glass. Inevitably, she would tell us about something that she read in the newspaper.Her husband, Howard, was in the Navy which gave them the opportunity to live around the country, her favorite being Hawaii. In recent years she liked to watch “Dog the Bounty Hunter” on television, not for the subject matter or storyline, but so that she could see how Hawaii has changed since the time she lived there.Helen retired from Sears and was a doting mom and Grannie. She traveled the world and loved the beach, especially Wildwood, NJ. In the 80’s she traveled to China with a childhood friend and made countless road trips with her son and granddaughters. China was the favorite place she ever visited. She enjoyed the history, culture, food, and people, and she brought back lots of treasures including some jade ornaments. If her body would have only let her, she would have spent all of her days exploring and traveling the world.Her granddaughters would say that, without a doubt, they had the best grandmother on the planet. She took them on vacation to Disney World and the Boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey. She made clothes for them and taught them how to sew and cook. They both will be making English Muffin Bread and Almond Crunch candy in her memory. They loved to spend the night at her house. She would make popcorn from the air popper, and in the morning, she gave them hot chocolate with breakfast. On the very few occasions when there was enough snow in Memphis, she would collect fresh snow in a tin pie plate, flavor it with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract, and give them a very special “Snow Cream” treat that has turned into a magical memory and a tradition that will be carried on with her great grandsons. Grannie Helen grew cucumbers and tomatoes in her garden, decades before it was fashionable. She enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casinos in Tunica, Mississippi, and she had a system. Look out for the best machines. They are the ones with the biggest jackpot. And always play the max amount. But only play with cash that you set aside for entertainment purposes and that you can afford to lose. Grannie never partook of the free drinks at the casino, but she did love to be “comped” a free buffet, but only the good kind with lobster, shrimp, or crab legs.Grannie Helen had the chance to see both of her granddaughters graduate from grad school, she attended their weddings, and she met both of her great grandsons Turner and Harrison. Her granddaughters are all the better for having had her in their lives. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by everyone who knew her, including her cookie, cake and candy recipes.The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The graveside service will begin at 2 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. To view the memorial tribute video, please click the link below:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/XYRYGCGCN3PRND22
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?