Doris Jean Turner

Doris Jean Turner of Midland, passed away peacefully on January 22,2024 and has now taken up residence in her heavenly home.

Doris was born near Sweetwater, Texas on August 13,1927. She was oldest of six daughters born to Clinton and Bernice Reed. Growing up, she lived in several small West Texas towns due to her father’s employment as a section foreman for the Santa Fe Railroad. She graduated from Snyder High School and then furthered her education at Texas Tech in Lubbock, earning a degree in journalism. It was there that she met and married James Mack Barnes. Upon graduation, they moved to Midland where Mack was employed as a geologist with Stanolind Oil Co. Due to company transfers, the couple lived in several states, but returned to Midland in 1960 where Mack became an independent landman and Doris worked as a kindergarten and first grade teacher. To their marriage was born four children: Bryan, Betty, Kelly and Roger. Mack passed away in 1979.

Later, Doris married Bill Turner, a former classmate. They moved to Eastern Washington state where they enjoyed country living on a small farm for 16 years. In 1997, they returned to Midland to be near family and friends. Bill passed away in 2008.

In 2017, Doris moved to Manor Park where she remained until her passing.

Doris’s commitment to her faith was profound and unwavering. A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church of Midland, she lived her beliefs, actively participating in church life and allowing her faith to influence every aspect of her existence.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mack, son Bryan, husband Bill, sisters Verna and Linda, step grand-daughter Sheri and many close friends. She is survived by daughter Betty Barnes of Midland, son Kelly Barnes and wife Susan of Montgomery, Texas, son Roger Barnes and wife Connie of Midland, she also leaves behind three sisters, Billie, Bobbie, and Clynice, as well as three grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She is also survived by stepson Allen Turner and wife Fran of McCall, Idaho and stepdaughter Marlene Holmes and husband Bruce of Yuma, Arizona as well as three step granddaughters and nine step great grandchildren.

As we bid farewell to Doris, we celebrate a life characterized by deep commitment to family and faith. Her legacy of love, resilience and faith will continue to inspire and guide those she loved. Her spirit, forever interwoven in the fabric of her family’s and friends’ lives, will remain a guiding light, and her memory will be cherished and remembered with profound affection and respect.

The family would like to thank the staff of Manor Park for their kind, compassionate care and also Pastor Robert Pase for being a continued source of strength and comfort for Doris.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 1 at 11:00 at Grace Lutheran Church in Midland. A private interment will take place in Abilene, Texas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in Doris’ memory to Grace Lutheran Church or to a charity that is dear to your heart.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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