Naomi Turner

Marion-Naomi Rose Turner, 87, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at South Gate Nursing Home in Metropolis. Naomi was born on October 17, 1929 in Marion to Arthur and Clara Watkins. She married Francis Moody Turner on March 26, 1946.  He preceded her in death on November 22, 1988. Naomi was a member of Community Chapel in Marion. She was of the greatest generation.  Born at the 1929 stock market crash; causing the great depression of the 1930s. Naomi was from a family of nine brothers and five sisters.  These were hard times.  Her father died in his fifties in 1945 at the end of WWII.  There were still five children at home to be raised by their mother.  There was no welfare or food stamps back then. Naomi had a very independent, proud spirit. She believed you work for everything you got.  Naomi was a pioneer in the women’s workforce after WWII.  She started working at Norge Washing Machine Plant in Herrin in 1954 and worked there for almost 40 years. Naomi had a severe stroke in May of 2015 which seriously limited her ability to walk and function.  She loved the Lord and fought a good fight. Naomi’s generation and her family served their county well. Her father; husband; brothers, Boyd and Arthur Jr. were all WWII veterans.  Her son Gary was a Vietnam veteran.  Three generations of war. She is survived by: Son-Gary Turner Brother- Lynn Watkins Sisters-Margie Gore, Helen Holloman, Melanie Sutton Grandchildren-Ginger Perez, Travis Turner, Jamie Turner Great grandchildren-Noah Perez, Mia Perez, Clayton Turner, Mackenzie Turner, Cayleb Turner She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Rodger Watkins, Arthur Watkins and Boyd Watkins; sister, Ruth Boyt; grandchild, Shianne Rose Turner and great grandchild, Cayleb Perez. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 11am at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Monday from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Community Chapel and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ PO Box 411/ Marion, IL   62959.  For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com