Nancy Kursave Turner, 64, of Paducah, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 5:15 PM after a brief, but hard fought battle with leukemia.
Mrs. Turner was born in Paris, Tennessee and raised in Murray, Kentucky. She graduated from Murray State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She later completed her Master’s degree in Nursing at the University of Evansville in Indiana. She received commendation as a Kentucky Colonel.
She worked as a nurse for Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, as well as a nursing instructor for Kentucky Wesleyan College, Owensboro Community & Technical College and West Kentucky Community & Technical College. Her specialty was Psychiatric Nursing, she was a staunch advocate of mental illness education and treatment. She held positions on the Kentucky Board of Nursing and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for the state of Kentucky. After retiring from teaching, she worked as a therapist for Four Rivers Behavioral Health in Paducah.
A kind and caring soul like no other, Nancy never met a stranger. Generous with her time and spirit, she constantly looked for anything she could do to help those she encountered in need. She provided a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold. She loved animals and enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels from her kitchen window.
Her faith served as a beacon to those around her. She loved the Lord and lived to serve Him. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Paducah, where she enjoyed being involved with the children’s ministries when her health allowed.
Surviving are her husband of 36 years, Dickie Joe Turner, two daughters, Miranda Turner of Paducah and Clarissa Turner Vinyard and husband Jacob of Nashville, Tenneessee. She is survived by two brothers, Joe Kursave and wife Cindy of San Diego, California and Jeff Kursave and wife Lori of Murfreesboro, Tenessee and a beloved grand dog, Otis Turner Vinyard.
Nancy Turner was preceded in death by her parents, Randall Harry Kursave and Willie Mae Murley Kursave and one sister Marilyn Kursave.
Funeral services for Nancy Kursave Turner will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home with Dr. Jason Browning officiating.
Visitation will be after 5:00 PM Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.
Burial will be at 4:00 PM Wednesday at Bethel Church Cemetery in Henderson, Tennessee.
Floral arrangements are appreciated at this time. Although she was allergic to many flowers, she loved the beauty of God’s handiwork in nature. Expressions of sympathy may be made to National Alliance for Mental Health of Kentucky, c/o Melony Cunningham, 2441 S. Highway 27, Somerset, Kentucky 42051 in her memory.
You may leave a message or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
