Elizabeth Anne Turner

Elizabeth Anne Turner was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on April 10, 1948, and passed away on April 26, 2024, in Sugar Land, TX. She was a proud graduate of Louisiana Tech University, earning a BA in mathematics in 1970 before becoming a dedicated volunteer and homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Thomas “Tommy” Turner, a native of Houma, LA and longtime resident of Sugar Land, TX; her parents, Joseph F. and Dolores Phillips of Alexandria, LA; her brothers Donald J. Phillips of Vancouver, WA and James E. Phillips of West Monroe, LA; her niece Suzanne “Suzy” Phillips and her nephew Joseph “Joe” Phillips of West Monroe, LA.

      She is survived by her niece Misty D. Holley (Phillips), nephew Michael J. Phillips, several great-nieces and nephews, and her fur babies: Averi, Callie, Darbi, Josie, Milo, and Murphy.

Liz loved animals and nature, and she always had at least a dog, a cat and a bird in her house. She served as a docent at the Houston Zoo for over 20 years, starting in 1988. She introduced wildlife and conservation awareness to thousands of children, volunteering countless hours to the Zoo’s outreach and exhibit interpretation programs. She assisted the veterinary clinic with administrative support. She was active in the Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents and Volunteers, coordinating its newsletter among other leadership roles.

Liz and Tommy enjoyed camping around the country, often with family or friends joining them for the adventure. They were happiest birding, hiking and fishing, especially in Colorado or Texas State Parks including Brazos Bend, Galveston, Davis Mountains and Guadalupe River. Hawaii was a favorite destination to celebrate life’s milestones.

Many Covington Woods kids learned how to swim with Liz, who was a Water Safety Instructor and Lifeguard at the neighborhood pool. She was an avid Houston Astros fan and a talented baker. An enthusiastic needleworker, she created gifts of meticulous counted-cross stich pieces or hand-knitted sweaters and scarves. She appreciated native and heirloom plants like the antique roses, Turk’s cap and Louisiana irises transplanted from her childhood home and made sure her gardens provided food and shelter to bees, hummingbirds, and other creatures.

The family would like to thank Christina Soto for her dedication and assistance and the staff at Grand Living at Riverstone, where Andria Jones and the LUMINATIONS team provided care and a welcoming community over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Liz’s memory to Houston Zoo Houston Zoo Fund - The Houston Zoo or to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/donations/ .