Joyce Turner

Turner, Joyce Marie Pierce Topolka - Age 90, died Nov. 17 in Durham, NC. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI. Mrs. Turner was born July 15, 1924 in Gratiot County, MI, the elder of two daughters of Lynn J. Pierce and Hazel F. Clark. She graduated from Flint Northern High School in 1942 and married John M. Topolka of Biwabik, MN, in 1943. For many years she and John owned and operated Topolka's Greenhouse in Flint. Joyce was also a proud employee of the US Postal Service in Flint. After John's death in 1979 and her own retirement in 1986, Joyce married Harry Turner of Torrington, Wyoming. They lived in Arizona and Idaho and enjoyed traveling extensively during their retirement. After Harry's death in 2001, Joyce moved to Clarks Summit, PA, where she enjoyed being a grandma to her three special grandchildren and was active in Church of the Epiphany (Episcopal). Joyce was gracious, independent, artistic, and fun-loving. She enjoyed dancing, gardening, sewing, and painting, and took special pleasure in creating warm and inviting homes. Most of all, she excelled as a mother. She laughed easily and loved unconditionally. Surviving are daughters Kathleen Joyce Topolka Jorissen of Waynesville, NC, Karla Jean Topolka Washo of Durham, NC, son-in-law, Michael J. Washo of Clarks Summit, PA, grandson Michael J. Washo (Alexandra Nikolich) of Chapel Hill, NC; granddaughters Mimi Washo (Austin Cotler) and Martha Washo both of Los Angeles, and great-grandson, Michael Patrick Washo of Chapel Hill. Also surviving are nephew David A. Scharrer (Christina Nelson) of Indian River, MI, niece Bethany Ann Scharrer (Norman) Althoff of Jackson, MI, niece Maryellen Scharrer (Jonathan) Clevenger of Flint, and stepson Tom Turner of Tucson, AZ. The family also extends sympathy and love to Maureen Thorburn of Clarks Green, PA, who was Joyce's best friend and loving companion through her final 6 years. In addition to her parents and husbands, Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved sister "Marge" (Margaret) Scharrer, and her nephew Mark Lynn Scharrer. Donations may also be made Alzheimers Association or a scholarship in interior design is being established in Joyce's name. Those wishing to donate may contribute to Western Michigan University Foundation, with the "Joyce Pierce Endowment Fund" on the memo line. Checks may be mailed to Amy Routhier, WMU, Walwood Hall, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403 or given to a family member. Tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Funeral Service

Saturday, June 20, 2015 11:00 AM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States