Dorothy Merle Echols Turner

Dorothy Merle Echols Turner, age 89 of Lula, Georgia took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 20, 2024.

Born in the city of Bellton, now known as Lula, Georgia on March 13, 1935 she was a daughter of the late Henry Harrison & Eunice Eloise Kimsey Echols. Dorothy Merle was a graduate of Lula High School, class of 1953. She worked for many years in the textile industry before retiring from Avery Dennison. She was happily Married to her childhood sweetheart, James for 55 years. Dorothy Merle loved to tell the story of how she chose him to be her husband at the age of 10 when they first met. She enjoyed gardening in her spare time, especially tending the beautiful flowers gracing her yard. Dorothy Merle often said that when tending to her flowers, she felt great joy and close to God, her savior.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Richard Turner; siblings, Thomas, Howard, Wendell, and Mary Echols.

Survivors include her daughters, Janice Bowen; Karen (Brad) Raper; grandchildren, Charles (Misty) Bowen, Melissa (Steve) Barber, James Raper (McKenzie Matlock), Lauren Raper (Rene Acuna); great-grandchildren, Rebecca Bowen, Garrison Bowen, & their mother, Amanda; Step-great-grandchildren, Bailey & Molly Upchurch; sisters, Jane Murphy & Martha Kinsey; sisters-in-law, Margaret Echols & Elane Echols; several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Bobby Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in the Antioch Holiness Church Cemetery with Rev. Charles Bowen officiating at the graveside.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. 

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.