Dorothy Burnet Turner 1918-2019

Dorothy Burnet Turner, 101 years young, passed away Thursday morning, April 19, 2019. She was at her daughter Gwynetta’s home, surrounded by her family. “Dot” slipped from this life to her heavenly home peacefully, while sleeping and in no pain.  Dorothy Mae Burnet Turner was born February 15, 1918 to Amanda Elizabeth Sims Burnet and Simon Marion Burnet.  She married Horace James Turner January 1, 1942. They had four children, Horace Dale, Gwynetta, Carolyn Jean and Rodney James. Dorothy was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband and son, Horace Dale as well as her two sisters Grace Ready and Kathryn Woods.

Dorothy is survived by her children Gwynetta, Carolyn, Rodney and his wife Evelyn, grandchildren Russell Bates and wife Maribeth, Heath Bates and wife Ofelia, Marty Turner Moore and Matthew Powledge, Alexis Turner and Demi Dorthea Turner.  She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Austin, Dylan and Kylie Bates, all of Huntsville as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dorothy graduated the tenth grade from San Jacinto School in Goshen (West Sandy) in 1934. She then graduated the eleventh grade from Huntsville High School in 1935. Dorothy received her Bachelor of Science and master’s degree in Elementary education from Sam Houston State Teachers College at Midterm 1939.

Dorothy’s first teaching job was in Willow Hole, near North Zulch and it paid $97.50 a month. Dorothy paid $15.00 a month for room and meals. She boarded with wonderful family, the Dowell family. After approximately two years at Willow Hole, she transferred to the San Jacinto School and taught with Mr. and Mrs. Tampke and she moved back home with her parents. She taught first through fourth grade all subjects. Dorothy always had the children say the pledge of allegiance to the Flag and they always had a prayer. Dorothy taught at San Jacinto for approximately 14 years. In 1960, the San Jacinto school consolidated with the Richards school and Mrs. Turner became their third and fourth grade teacher. While there, she also coached Jr. High and High School basketball, volleyball and baseball.  Dot’s main love was basketball and in her day she was quite the “hoop” maker. She made 42 points in one game. In her annuals, many of her classmates made note of her great athletic ability. She was fast and accurate with her shots.  She could shoot overhand, with both hands or one, as well as underhanded when needed. Like the time she was driving for the goal and she had a tall guard on her and she shot underhanded under her and made the two points! She was a real lil’ hustler. She played hard, and she was good.

Dorothy also drove the school bus for the West Sandy route to Richards.  She taught at Richards for 26 years and after a 42-year teaching career, Mrs. Turner retired in 1985.  

Since Dorothy’s retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her teacher friends, her children, and her nieces. She enjoyed going and watching her grandchildren play ball. She was still the sports enthusiast. Dot kept busy as a volunteer at three nursing homes in Huntsville.  She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s Wesleyan Circle, a member of the Texas Retired Teacher Association, both of which met monthly. She was also a member of AARP and DRT (Daughters of the Republic of Texas)

Dorothy was a member of the Farris Chapel United Methodist Church.  She retired in 1999 as the church treasurer after a very dedicated fifty-sever (57) years. Also, through the years she helped the church Methodist Youth Fellowship “MYF” groups.  She would drive the youth to different churches for fellowship.

Dorothy was a wonderful teacher, a beautiful (inside and out) Christian lady who always enjoyed helping others. She was a very witty, positive and up-lifting lady that loved and enjoyed people (especially children) and life.  

Family will receive friends Wed. April 24^th, 10am-11am at First Methodist Church in Huntsville. Service will begin at 11am. Burial will follow the service at Farris Cemetery in West Sandy, TX. 

Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.