Tommie Sue Turner

Tommie Sue Turner, known affectionately to many as Tommie Sue, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Springhill Memorial Hospital. Born on September 10, 1943, in Needham, Alabama, she lived a life marked by joy, love, and a spirited zest for living. Surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing, Tommie Sue’s departure leaves a profound void for all who had the privilege to know her.

A woman of warmth and merriment, Tommie Sue was celebrated for her fun-loving nature, infectious laugh, and a heart brimming with love. Her life was a tapestry woven with joy, happiness, and a boundless capacity for caring. She was an exceptional cook, delighting in creating meals that brought people together. Her passion extended outdoors as well—she loved planting flowers and nurturing her garden, always taking pride in keeping her yard beautifully maintained. Each year she meticulously canned and preserved vegetables, sustaining traditions that spoke to her resourcefulness and connection to the earth. Known for her creative spirit, Tommie Sue decorated her home for every holiday, infusing each celebration with color and cheer.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, a testament to the love that defined her life. She is survived by her cherished children: Teresa Miller (Johnathan), Paul Perry (Glenda), Tammy Lee (Tim), and Sibley Perry, who carry forward her legacy with honor and affection. She was also a proud grandmother to Phillip Christensen (Jennifer), Mark Christensen (Stephanie), Kimberly Howell, Martin Davis (Julianna), Katherine Bake (Noah), Blake Lee (Amber), and Mason Lee, as well as a beloved great-grandmother to 14 great-grandchildren. Tommie Sue’s immense family circle included a multitude of nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts.

Tommie Sue was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Alton Turner; her parents, Thomas and Millie Jenkins; her children Michael Jenkins and Penny Goodson; her siblings Elsie Saksa, Tuman Jenkins, Buddy Jenkins, Maurice Nichols, Lincoln Jenkins, Belle Howell, Rudolph Jenkins, Edna Jones; and the father of her children, Sibley Perry.

The family will gather to honor Tommie Sue’s remarkable life with a visitation on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. funeral service at Freeman Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Pickard officiating. Burial will follow in Calvert Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Christensen, Mark Christensen, Martin Davis, Blake Lee, Mason Lee, and Zachery Brown. Honorary Pallbearer will be Rodney Jenkins.

Tommie Sue Turner’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her—a testament to a life well-lived, full of laughter, love, and an enduring spirit that touched countless lives. Her memory will forever be cherished as a beacon of joy and heartfelt family devotion.