Bertha Lee \Gyrlee\ Thomas Turner, 91, of Big Spring, died Sunday, May 8, 2016 in a local hospital. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the First Baptist Church Chapel. Graveside services will be 3:30 PM Wednesday at Eastlawn Memorial Park in Early, Texas.She was born July 18, 1924 in Blanket, Texas to Myrtle Simpson Shafer and John Clarence Shafer. She grew up on the family farm in Brown County. She graduated from Blanket High School in 1941 and married J. C. \Jim\ Thomas in 1943. He preceded her in death in 1973. She then married John M. Turner in 1976 and he preceded her in death in 2000.Gyrlee retired from the Rehabilitation Services at the Big Spring State Hospital in 1986 as a rehabilitation technician.Bertha served as a faithful member of East Fourth Street Baptist Church for fifty-six years. As a Sunday School teacher and Training Union director, she fulfilled her desire to work with the children and youth. Currently she was a member of First Baptist Church, she enjoyed participating in activities of the church until ill health intervened. She loved her Lord and family.She was a 69 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star chapter 116 in Brownwood, and was a member of Scenic Mountain Medical Center Volunteers where she continued to enjoy serving and doing for other people.Survivors include two sons, Jim Thomas of Edmond Oklahoma and Charlie Thomas and wife, Lynelle of Big Spring; four grandchildren, Travis Thomas, Blake Thomas, Dylan Thomas and Natalie Thomas; and a sister, Billie Thomas of Brownwood. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister, Berta Faye Shafer, sisters, Aline Pittman and Ethelene Newsom; and brothers, Marvin, Bernie, Clyde, George and Talmadge Shafer.The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church, 705 W. FM 700, Big Spring, Texas 79720, the Billy Rudd Library Fund at East Fourth Street Baptist Church, 410 E. 3rd St., Big Spring, Texas 79720, or to a favorite charity.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com ,
