Esther Carol (McKenzie) Turner
2/15/1947 to 7/18/2023
Born in Johnson co. KY to Shelva “Sheb” and Geneva (Mullins)McKenzie.
The Family called her Carol unless the &$$* was about to hit the fan. Then it was EstherCarol!!!
Carol put herself through nursing school while raising her three young children. She graduated
near the top of her class with the help of Matt and Todd. She always said, “They were the best
study buddies she ever had.” Todd in particular loved the anatomy classes. He would be seen
chasing her brother Ralphs cat (Snowball) around the house with a hammer behind his back,
calling “Here kitty, kitty.” This was her all time favorite story to tell about school.
She would end up starting here career working at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH. Working in
the O.R. and E.R. departments. Becoming a caring and competent nurse. Then moving to different
skilled nursing facilities. Caring for a variety of patients. She would find her “niche” in nursing
homes. Becoming known as “Nurse Carol” to all she tended too. Giving all she cared for a dose of
laughter or a much-needed hug to get through their pains.
She had lived in Kentucky, Ohio, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Washington.
Carol loved to laugh. Everyone family and friends knew if Carol was going to be there you were
going to laugh your @$$ off! She was a teller of jokes and funny stories.
Carol was very smart, saying she was “Hillbilly smart” to throw people off guard. She always
talked about writing a book on the “Hillbilly ways”.
She was a nurturing soul that loved animals, rocks, reading (anything Sci-Fi or Mystery) and
creating beautiful artwork.
Carol loved Movies and T.V., her movie collection rivaled that of any Video store or streaming
service. If it was made she owned it. Star Trek and any old sci-fi were in her collection. She had a
passion for all things Star Trek. She always joked that if she met Spock he would never go back to
Vulcan.
She lived with her son and daughter-in-law (Matt & Heather) in Mt. Vernon, WA. Heather was a
great support to Carol and all the family, stepping up with Love and Care.
We would like to thank the staff at Cascade Valley Senior Living for the care and comfort they
provided to our Mother.
Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Shelva Jean. Her Parents. Her brothers, Ralph David and
William Dale. And her Daughter Karla Ann.
Her sons Matt and Todd survive her. Daughter in law Heather. Grandson Joshua. Her sister-
TeresaLynn. Cousins- Kimmie and Rick Justice of Columbus, OH. Uncle Gary and Aunt Phyllis
Mullins of Flat Gap, KY. And many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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