Funeral service for Hellen Alease Gowen Turpen, age 86, of Fayetteville will be conducted Monday March 2, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church with Father James Pappas officiating. Burial will follow in Charity Cemetery beside her husband Donald L. Turpen who passed away in 1989. Mrs. Turpen passed away Wednesday February 25, 2015 in Huntsville.
A native of Lincoln County, she was the daughter of the late Garland C. and Lena Edna Cantrell Gowen. She was a homemaker and a member of the St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church.
Survivors include two sons, Donald L. Turpen, Jr. and wife Shirley of Fayetteville, Timothy Mark Turpen and wife Toni of Bay Minette, AL, grandchildren, Timothy Guy Turpen and wife Heather of West Palm Beach, FL, Garth Turpen of Columbia, SC, Ann Marie Turpen of Bay Minette, AL, Rebecca Turpen Hicks of Bay Minette, AL, Pat Turpen and wife Jennifer of Fayetteville, Darby Turpen of Fayetteville and Sean Turpen of Fayetteville, eight great-grandchildren and daughter-in-law Diane Turpen Burgess. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a son Dr. Richard Guy Turpen and grandson Garland Guy Turpen.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday March 1, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.
Alva Hammons
on March 3, 2015 at 2:40 am
Tim:
I just heard of your Mother’s passing. Had I known earlier I would have tried to see you. You have my sympathy and my prayer is God’s comfort for you and your Mother’s loved ones.
Sincerely
Reply
Tim:
I just heard of your Mother’s passing. Had I known earlier I would have tried to see you. You have my sympathy and my prayer is God’s comfort for you and your Mother’s loved ones.
Sincerely
Don and Tim
Can’t tell you how sorry it is to learn of your Mom’s passing. She was a fine lady. As you know I thought the world of her and your Dad.
Frank
Oh, my! Where does one begin to share how much we love Hellen? She was the first person my mother and I met at St. Mary Magdalene Church. She immediately became a true and fast friend to us. We shared many laughs, prayers and tears around the Parish Kitchen Table. I will be with you all in spirit on Tuesday when you gather at the church to remember Hellen and celebrate her triumphant entry into the Paradise of God where she will be joined with those she loved so, so much. I wish for those of us remaining to cherish her memory, especially her family that she loved and adored, God’s Peace in the days ahead.
Donnie, Shirley and Family: You and your family have my deepest sympathy and all our in my prayers at this difficult time. Ms. Turpen was a sweet and beautiful lady. When I sang at Southern Manor she would sing along with me and just a joy to hear her and see her sweet smile..I was blest to have met this sweet family. I have good memories of this family and it all started with working for Dr. Turpen..He was special…May God comfort you and your family and keep you in his loving arms during the days ahead. Love and my Prayers, Brenda Donaldson
Sorry to hear of Helen’s passing.My prayers are with your family.
I loved and admired Hellen from childhood. Our two families went to the same church, played and boated together. I was struck by what I now call her grace and lovingkindness–her thoughtfulness. She seemed like a second mother to me; someone I could count on and trust. As others have noted, she was thoughtful, giving, and supportive. And: she could laugh and enjoy life. When I returned to the area, we reconnected; we spent time sharing memories and deepened our relationship at an ‘adult’ level (from my point of view). I loved the way she responded through her heart, even in the trying times. She was grace and love and automatic forgiveness–even when she was sad or hurt or fearful. We seemed to have God’s love between us, always. It is easy to see this gift in the comments above; and I experience it in the grace of her extended family members, who continue to bless my life. Thanks be to God that she is surely resting peacefully in the arms of God! My love and sympathy to her family and loved ones. Sandy
You have our deepest sympathies on the death of your mother. Know that our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Sorry to read of the passing of Mrs. Hellen. She was such a wonderful woman and always had time to stop and say hello. She was such a kind and loving person and her smile made everyone around feel good. She was such a gentle lady. My deepest sympathy to her loving family. I know she will be missed. Blessed be! Betty Lou
I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I lost my father last year and something that comforts me is that Jesus promised at John 5:28, 29 that the day is coming when he is going to resurrect all those in the grave. Until then, it is just like they are sleeping. (John 11:11-14) I hope that your family finds comfort in this too.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was such a sweet lady. May God be with you during this time and always. Love, Linda
Don, Tim & family,
Love & sympathy to you all. I will be with you in spirit as you lay your mom to rest. I will never forget her wonderful smile and the comfort she brought to all of us when we laid both my mom and dad to rest all those years ago. I’ll also never forget all those years at St. Mary Magdalene where she was part of the backbone of the church. My love to you all, Susie Shewry Kutchi
I was saddened to learn of Mrs. Helen’s death. I have such fond memories of her from my childhood. She and Mr. Don ran a little store in my neighborhood, and I remember you boys running her ragged some days. Your Mother was always such a gentle lady. I extend my deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss.
To Donnie, Tim and Family,
We are saddened to learn of Miss Helen’s death. She was such a gentle and loving lady. Jimmy has told me often of the wonderful times he spent in your home when your Dad was his baseball coach and your Mom always had something wonderful she had baked for the boys after practice. May God bless and comfort you during this very difficult time.
Donnie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mrs Helen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Phillip and Diane