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Joan S. Turnage, age 81, passed away March 12, 2016, at her home in Monticello, MS, surrounded by
loved ones. After becoming acutely-ill on Valentine’s Day, she was diagnosed with PML (Progressive
Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), a rare disease that attacks 1 in 200,000 people.
One of nine children, Joan was born December 27, 1934, in Mendenhall, MS, to the late
Marvin Thomas Sullivan, Sr. and Roxie Vernell McLain Sullivan. She attended Mendenhall High School,
graduated from Clinton High School, and wed Kenneth Roberts in July 5, 1951. After their children
were grown, she returned to school and became a licensed registered-nurse (RN), after graduating from
Southwest Mississippi Community College. Very passionate about her nursing-career, she was loved and
appreciated by colleagues, patients, and families.
Joan loved the Lord and served Him well. Her spiritual-gifts and talents exemplified her servant’s heart and
her genuine concern for people from all walks of life. She was an encourager and a mentor. She enjoyed cooking,
gardening, sewing, and reading. Joan was a classy lady who loved wearing her high-heeled shoes.
Music was an integral part of Joan’s life. She loved to sing and could whistle tunes for hours at a time. As
the undeclared official champion of ‘Name That Tune’, she knew every word of every verse of countless
sacred and secular songs. Joan was a devoted, enthusiastic member of two choirs at Monticello Baptist Church,
under the direction of Charlotte Ready and enjoyed singing solos, accompanied by Billie Lawrence (pianist),
longtime friend. Because of her passionate love of her country, patriotic music was among her favorites.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands D.W. (Duke) Snyder and Thomas Albert Turnage;
brothers, M.T. (Pete) Sullivan and Wesley Sullivan; sister, Helen Sinclair (and husband Charley); and
son-in-law Donnie Lee Foster.
She is survived by: daughters, Barbara Jo Foster and Lessa Roberts and son, Rusty Roberts (Lejeana);
five grandchildren: Ashley Jo Smith (Mike), Lee Foster (Bridy Jo), Katie Neal (Anthony), Dawn Goleman
(Brad), and Dusty Roberts (Kayla); 18 great-grandchildren: Lauren Smith McGraw (Justin); Cole, Grant, Erica,
and Luke Smith; Tripp, Gabe, and Micah Tess Foster; John Carter, Carson, and Ava Neal; Blake Roberts, Julian,
Marley, and Myles Goleman; Lexi and Logan (Alexander), and Kade Roberts; and great-great grandchildren,
Ansylee McGraw and Tyson (due in June); three sisters (“sistas”), Betty Sue Taylor (James “Grassy”),
Glenda Brooks (Harold), and Jane Everett (Bob); two brothers, Charles Sullivan and Billy G. (“Bucky”) Sullivan;
and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00, Saturday (March 19), at Monticello Baptist Church, followed by a
memorial-service at 2:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial-donations may be made to Monticello Baptist Church
(music or missions), Gideon’s International (Bibles), or your favorite charity.
