News Summary
Charlene Sewell Turner, a cherished member of the Bowling Green community, passed away at the age of 97. Known for her dedication to education and public service, she was an active member of the Marrowbone Methodist Church. Her legacy includes a vibrant family and a lifetime of contributions to community service. Friends and family will gather to honor her memory on July 5, celebrating her impactful life.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Longtime community member Charlene Sewell Turner passed away peacefully at her home on June 28, 2025, at the age of 97. Her death was confirmed by family members, who described her as a beloved matriarch and devoted friend.
Born on January 3, 1928, in Huntington, West Virginia, Charlene was the daughter of Thurston and Melba (Walker) Sewell. She devoted her early career to education, teaching school for two years before transitioning to a long-term role in public service. Charlene worked for the state at the Department of Human Resources for 28 years, contributing significantly to her community.
Charlene was a life-long member of the Marrowbone Methodist Church, having joined the congregation in 1943. Her involvement in the church was a cornerstone of her life, fostering relationships that spanned decades. She was deeply involved in church activities, offering support and encouragement to many in the community.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 58 years, Leon Curtis Turner, Jr., her son Curtis Lee Turner, her daughter Carolyn Turner Lee, and her brother John Lee Sewell. She is survived by her son Jerry Sewell Turner and his spouse Angela Keen of Bowling Green. Additional family members include her son-in-law Gary Lee of Bowling Green and daughter-in-law Jacqueline Turner “Jackie” Alexander and her spouse Doug of Waterview.
Charlene enjoyed a vibrant family life, leaving behind several grandchildren, including John Lee (married to Stacie), Lindsey Lee Devore (married to Devin), Leigh Ann Turner Morgan (married to TJ), Liza Turner Tucker (married to Jamie), Adrienne Turner Edwards (married to Zach), as well as Larron Turner and Linly Turner Calixte (married to Ketler). She also had several great-grandchildren: Jackson and Karson Lee, Silas Devore, Isabella and Averey Morgan, Autumn and Curtis Tucker, Charlotte and Delilah Edwards, and Kailoh Calixte, with another great-grandchild expected soon. Additionally, Charlene is remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will hold a visitation for friends on July 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST at Marrowbone Methodist Church, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. The burial will take place at Marrowbone Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Marrowbone Cemetery or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, honoring the memory of Charlene and her late son, Curtis.
Arrangements are being handled by Norris-New Funeral Home in Burkesville, Kentucky.
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Additional Resources
- WCLU Radio: Charlene Sewell Turner
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Legacy.com: Charlene Turner Obituary
- Google Search: Charlene Turner
- ABC News: Melissa Witt Case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- The Gazette: Charlene A. Pickart
- Google News: Obituaries
- Legacy.com: Elizabeth Henson Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
