Martha JoAnn Cowsert Turner

Martha JoAnn Turner (née Cowsert), 93, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, in Hoover, Alabama. Born on May 6, 1933, in Sarasota, Florida, she lived a life defined by compassion, faith, and service to others.

JoAnn graduated from Sarasota High School in 1951 and pursued her passion for nursing at Birmingham Baptist Hospital, earning her Register of Nursing in 1954. She furthered her education at the University of Alabama, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in nursing in 1957. Her career was marked by dedication and care as she worked in Labor and Delivery at Princeton Hospital and later taught student nurses at Montclair Hospital. Martha also served as a lactation consultant to new mothers and a grief counselor for mothers who had experienced loss at Princeton Hospital. Her commitment to supporting grieving families extended beyond her professional life; she played an instrumental role in developing the Little One's Memory Walk and Gardens at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

JoAnn’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond her career. She was a devoted mother to her children: Franklin Turner, Michael Turner (Susie), Richard Turner (Tonya), Amy Finch (Raleigh), and Mary Chace (Will). She cherished her grandchildren—Chrystie Roach (Adrian), Julie Turner, Shelbie Rose (Aaron), Lyndsie Curry (Andy), Ryan Turner, Regan Turner, Nikki Usrey (Chad), Danielle Chace, Shelby Chace—and her great-grandchildren—Camilla Roach, Carter Roach, Lucas Turner, Camden Rose, Hadley Rose, Griffin Rose, Pierson Rose, Sylvie Rose, and Anna Curry. JoAnn’s home was always open to family and friends alike; over the years she welcomed nieces and nephews needing respite or summer vacations and even cared for children who struggled in daycare settings after retiring from nursing. Many of these relationships endured through the years as a testament to her enduring love and generosity.

She was predeceased by her father James Cowsert Sr., mother Martha Peck Cowsert, father-in-love John Turner, mother-in-love Agnes Turner, husband Carlton Turner, brothers Baby Boy Cowsert, James Cowsert Jr. and William Cowsert, and son Franklin Turner.

JoAnn’s faith was central to her life. A steadfast believer in the Lord, she dedicated herself to ministry within her church community. Whether baking treats for loved ones or assisting with church missions whenever called upon, JoAnn embodied selflessness and devotion.

In addition to her professional accomplishments and family devotion, JoAnn found joy in bird watching, cross-stitching intricate designs that reflected her creativity and patience, reading widely to expand her knowledge and imagination, and sharing baked goods that brought smiles to those around her.

Her legacy is one of unwavering kindness and generosity. She touched countless lives through her work as a nurse and counselor but also through simple acts of love—offering shelter to friends of her children during times of need or maintaining lifelong connections with former patients who came to see her as "MeeMaw." Her nurturing heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Martha JoAnn Turner will be remembered as compassionate, loving, steadfastly faithful, and generous beyond measure. May the memory of her remarkable life bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to either the Lustgarten Foundation or Project Purple. Both are doing research into Pancreatic Cancer.

A Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Highland Memorial Gardens 3115 18th Avenue Bessemer, Alabama 35020.