Peggy Jean Turner

Peggy Jean Archer Turner

April 7, 1932 – December 3, 2023

Peggy Jean Archer Turner passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023. She was born April 7, 1932, in Shiner, Texas, the daughter of Jewel Archer and Helen Rogge Archer. Growing up in Kenedy, Palacios and Victoria, she was surrounded by cousins including Billie Ray Davis, aunts, uncles, and friends she would remain close with her entire life.

Peggy’s family were native Texans, and were among the early settlers of Lavaca and DeWitt Counties. Dreyer, Texas was named after Peggy’s grandmother’s family. Peggy was immensely proud of this heritage, and she was a lifelong member of the Daughters of the Texas Republic.

Peggy attended schools in Kenedy and Victoria, graduating in 1950 from Victoria High School. She later attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville. During college, she met Kenneth Grady Turner, and they later married on Valentine’s Day in 1953. They had three sons – Kenny, Ted, and John—and made their home in Portland, Texas with their boys.

Peggy and Ken were very active in their community. They were faithful members at First United Methodist Church of Portland for over 50 years with Peggy serving as a member of the United Methodist Women. Peggy was, in life and in all the ways she served, a woman of quiet but unwavering faith. Peggy was also a life member of ChatWork Civic Club in Portland where she served as President from 1969-70; hosted many bridge games at her home with her bridge group; and could always be counted on to take a meal to a friend in need.

Peggy was also devoted to her mother, Helen, and visited her consistently during the years that she lived in assisted living in Corpus and Portland. During this time, she ensured that Helen was happy, comfortable, and was always there to either listen to or to tell a good story. Peggy’s beautiful relationship with her mother was a model to her family and friends of a true mother-daughter bond, and a constant display of unselfish love.

Peggy was also a devoted wife. She and Ken were married for 66 years, and their marriage was likewise a model to their family and friends of loyalty, love, and fun. Peggy and Ken were active throughout their lives and were always up for a new adventure. In the seventies, they were part of a group in Portland who hosted dances at local venues to get friends together and have fun. They loved traveling and playing golf with the “Over the Hill Gang.” And over the years they also visited many places – far and near – including Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. They loved spending time in New Braunfels and Port Aransas with their family, and hosted many family reunions on the banks of the Comal River and on the shores of the Gulf.

Peggy’s greatest joy was being a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother. Always present for her three boys, she helped with homework, listened when they needed an ear, encouraged them to do their best, supported their dreams, and celebrated their triumphs. Momo, as her nine grandchildren called her, was a fixture in each of their lives. She attended concerts, plays, birthday parties, grandparents’ days, trips to Disney World, graduations, and sporting events for them all creating individual special bonds. Her steadfast love, encouraging words, valuable insights, and soothing presence will be missed daily.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, and her beloved husband Ken. She is survived by her three sons Kenneth Turner, Jr. and wife Gail; Ted Turner and wife Cynthia; and John Turner and wife Leah; as well as her adored grandchildren Clint Harris, Kelly Frazee, Grady Turner, Stefani Turner Watson, Clare Turner Brito, Emily Turner, Sarah Jean Turner, Luke Turner and Anna Leigh Turner; and her twelve great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13 at Winsteads’ Funeral Home (500 Wildcat Drive), the burial will be held at Palms Memorial Gardens at 2:30, and a memorial service will follow at 3:30 at First United Methodist Church in Portland (4545 Wildcat Dr). Immediately following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception at the church.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com