Geraldine Roach Turner

Geraldine Roach Turner died peacefully after a lengthy illness on July 10, 2024. Born January 17, 1929 to loving parents Dudley Earl and Lula Nelson Roach, she grew up on Sevier Avenue. She attended Griffin Elementary and South Junior High before graduating from Knoxville High School in 1947. She then obtained her degree from the University of Tennessee in 1951. She was very active at UT: Secretary of Alpha Delta Pi; president of Alpha Lambda Delta; National editor of Omicron No; and mortal board. She was also an honorary Lt. Colonel in ROTC. Prior to this last position, and definitely during her time with ROTC, she met one cadet, Donald Lee Turner. They were married on June 21, 1952.

While her husband was overseas, she did have several interesting jobs. She worked at Newport News building and dry dock company while they were building the U.S.S. Forrestal and S.S. United States. She also worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Gerry and Don enjoyed a long and happy life together until his death is 2014. While raising two sons, Mark D. Turner, MD., and Dean M. Turner, MD., she worked at Rich’s and Millers department stores, taught homebound and special education students for Knox County Schools, and enjoyed a life filled with friendship and love.

She was raised and married in Island Home Baptist Church, then moved to Graystone Presbyterian Church. For the past fifty plus years, she has been a member of Second Presbyterian Church.

Gerry was a doting grandmother to Genevieve Turner Meckle and Joshua M. Turner – always reminding them that there was no place better to settle than Knoxville.

She leaves her two sons, daughter-in-law Pamela M. Turner, two grandchildren, and many friends and wonderful memories.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 10am at Woodlawn Cemetery on July 18, 2024, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, where pastor Tim Reynolds will officiate. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com