Johnnie Lou Turner

Johnnie Lou Bailey Benton Turner, age, 86, of Foreman, AR died on June 21, 2013 at Home Hospice Care in Little Rock, AR. Johnnie was born to the late Josie Ann Chandler Bailey and Walter L. Bailey on December 18, 1926 in DeQueen, AR. She moved to Foreman Arkansas in 1946. Johnnie was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Phillip Benton; her son, Kent C. Benton; her parents; siblings, Walter L. Bailey Jr. (Jean) and Virgil Bailey and a host of close friends, Johnnie is survived by her husband Virgil C. Turner; daughter, Cherylon Benton Reid (Ray) of Little Rock, AR; daughter-in-law, Lee Carrell Benton of Fairview, Texas; sister, Joyce Ann Bailey Hall (Cee) of Hochatown, OK; brother, Clermon Bailey of Eagletown, OK; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Kent Benton (Randall Baker) of McKinney, Texas; Phillip Craig Benton (Amy) of Ft. Collins, Colorado and Sarah Reid (nick Massimo) of New york City, two great grandchildren, Avery Benton and Asa Benton. Johnnie was also privileged to share an extended family through her 13 year marriage to Virgil, including his son, Virgil Turner Jr. (Darlene), Cheryl Branson, and Jody Vasquez (David) and many special grandchildren and great grandchildren. Johnnie was especially close to her niece Deb Jones and Husband Don. They were a constant source for caregiving and support. She had many other special nieces and nephews who she dearly loved. Johnnie was vey active in the First Baptist Church of Foreman, where she was a member for many years. She was a member of the Ruth Sunday School class. She retired from Southwest Arkansas Development as Director of the Senior Citizen's Center in Foreman after 21 years. When her children were growing up, she was PTA President and home room mother, always dressed like June Cleaver with a plate of decorated sugar cookies or cupcakes for all seasons. She was active with the American Legion Auxiliary, holding various offices and attending the annual convention in Little Rock. If Martha Stewart had been older, she would have given her a run for her money. She was an accomplished seamstress and could whip up a designer garment or costume in lightning speed. Johnnie was a wonderful cook. Her turkey and dressing and yeast rolls were always a big hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her grandchildren insisted on large to go containers packed in ice that somehow made their respective journeys to Colorado, Texas and New York. Her grandchildren were her delight. She fawned over them and spoiled them more than they were already spoiled.Johnnie was a beautiful, talented, Christian woman who will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A visitation for Johnnie will be held from 4-6 p.m., Sunday June 23 at Madden Funeral Home in Foreman, AR. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Foreman, AR. Interment will be held at Dollarhide Cemetery following the funeral service. A special thank you to Dr. Morgan Sauer and Home Hospice Care for special love and care. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice, First Baptist Church, Foreman, AR., Dollarhide Cemetery, 940 2nd Street. Foreman, AR 71836 or Home Hospice Care, 2200 Bowman Rd, Little Rock, AR 72211.

Johnnie Lou Turner

December 18, 1926 - June 21, 2013