Theresa Ann (Groce) Turner, 89, passed away May 30, 2022 at home with family in Greenback, TN. She was born March 8, 1933 in Charleston, MS to John B. Groce and Annie V. Newton. Ann grew up in Cascilla, MS. Her father went to work on the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, TN and they moved to Secret City for several years before returning to Tallahatchie County. Ann graduated from Cascilla High School then moved to Jackson to attend Draughon's Business College where she graduated Class Valedictorian. She went to work as a Secretary for the Dean of Mississippi College where she met the love of her life, Rev. Len D. Turner, a ministerial student at that time. Ann and Len married in 1952 and shared their love for cats, each other and Jesus until Len's passing October 30, 2020. Ann later enjoyed her work for R.M. Hendrick Graduate Supply House in Jackson. Ann and Len remained in the Jackson area while Len continued preaching at Cascilla Baptist Church until his retirement.

Ann was a childhood victim of polio(myelitis) but her leg braces never slowed her down. As a child, teenager and young adult when she fell she never allowed anyone to help her up. Between her braces and an eventual wheelchair, Ann walked without mobility aids for almost fifty years. Ann loved to travel, and accompanied Len wherever she could. Ann loved her extended family, and her nieces became the daughters she always wanted. Ann truly loved to cook and it showed at every meal she prepared. She became a seamstress and mastered every needlecraft she tried including knitting and crochet. Ann loved art, especially oil painting. Ann loved potted plants and flowers and the birds they attracted. Most of all, Ann loved her family and friends. Ann's Flowood neighbors fit in both categories.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Jack (Nina) Groce of Winona, MS, Kenneth (Peggy) Groce of Memphis, TN and her nephew Gary (Emily) Groce of Southaven, MS.

Ann is survived by her sons, Barton (Ronnie Kweller) Turner of Washington, DC and Colonel Mike (Debbie) Turner of Greenback, TN; her sister, Baby Jane (Bob) Ryan of Fairview, TN; grandchildren, Nicholas (Kathryn) Turner of Madison, MS and Erin (Preston) Lewis of Jackson; great-grandchildren, Riley Turner, Kennedy Turner, and Emerson Turner of Madison. Her nieces and nephews include Len's nieces and nephews and she loved them all.

Ann's Memorial Service will be held June 25 ^th , 2022 at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home, 114 Burney Drive, Flowood, MS 39232 at 1PM, followed by an informal Celebration of Life and pot luck dinner at Laurelwood Clubhouse, 2418 Meadow Oak Drive, Flowood, MS 39232 immediately following the Memorial Service featuring specialty meat dishes by Ken North.