Mabel Jane Turner

Mabel Jane (Boatright) Turner, 96, of Van Buren, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at her home. She was born May 22, 1924 in Whitener, Arkansas in Madison County to Henry Edward and Stella May Boatright. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years, John Franklin Turner; and two sons, Larry Turner and John Franklin Turner, Jr.; a daughter-in-law, Betty Turner; and great-granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Turner.

She was one of nine children and is survived by a sister, Doris Jean Young of Van Buren. In addition, she is survived by a son, Eddie Turner of Van Buren; a daughter, Linda Fimple and husband Charles of Van Buren; six grandsons, David Turner and wife Nicki of Fort Smith, Danny Turner and wife Donishia of Van Buren, John Fimple and wife Sonja of Grovetown, GA, Bart Turner and wife Heather of Van Buren, Michael Turner and wife Nancy of Mountainburg, and Steven Turner of Van Buren; two granddaughters, Tammy Rogers and husband Bryan of Van Buren, and Rebecca Malone and husband Marc of Van Buren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.

Mabel was the perfect Proverbs 31 woman. She was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener and always made sure her family and strangers were well taken care of. She was also known for her wonderful pie making.

She worked in Los Angeles in 1942 during World War II at Goodyear making plies for tanks before marrying Frank in 1944. She and her husband Frank founded the Gospel Rescue Mission in 1969, which their son Eddie still operates. In addition to cooking at the mission, she also opened a thrift store to provide funds to serve the many men and women the mission fed, clothed and ministered to. She and Frank lived Matthew 25: 35-39. She continued serving at the mission until the age of ninety and was the recipient of the Crawford County Citizen of the Year Award for her many years of service.

Mabel will be remembered for her love and devotion to the Lord and for being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and Christian example always putting others before herself.

Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2020 at Gracelawn Cemetery in Van Buren, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Her great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Viewing will be 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2020, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gospel Rescue Mission at 201 Drennen Street, Van Buren 72956.