Muriel Sue Smith Turner

Turner, Muriel Sue, a local school bus driver of over 30 years with the gift of touching children’s lives, died Saturday September 3rd at Mercy Medical Center in Knoxville. She was 75 years old. Her death was due to complications from pulmonary fibrosis, which she had battled for several years. Born February 11, 1936 to Park and Othella Smith, Mrs. Turner lived her life in South Knoxville. A graduate of Young High School and an attendee of the University of Tennessee, Mrs. Turner married Calvin Lee Turner of Knoxville in October of 1956. She was as a social worker for 10 years before becoming a school bus driver for Knox County Schools. She retired in December 2010 after 31 years of service. During her final years as a bus driver, Mrs. Turner worked with the LRE classes at Powell and Fulton High Schools. Her years working with handicapped children were some of the most fulfilling in her life, attending numerous Special Olympics and proms with “her kids.” She was beloved by both students and teachers alike. Aside from working with children, Mrs. Turner loved her church, New Life Assembly of God, University of Tennessee football, and her grandchildren – the love of her life. Mrs. Turner was preceded in death by her father, Park Smith, her mother Othella Smith, and her husband, Calvin Lee Turner. She is survived by her daughters, Tammie L. Godbey and husband, Major Donald G. Godbey II of Navarre, Florida and Susan T. Brooks and partner J. Scott Harriger of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Ronald J. Brooks Jr. of Lexington, Kentucky, Donald G. Godbey III of Lexington, Kentucky, Ryan A. Brooks and wife, Jamie of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lauren N. Godbey of Lexington, Kentucky; siblings, Wilda M. Rosenbalm of Louisville, Tennessee and Othella Delores Rosenbalm of Knoxville, Tennessee. The family will receive friends on Tuesday September 6th from 5:00-8:00 PM at Berry Funeral Home at 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 8:00 PM with Rev. Darlene Miller officiating. Family and friends will then gather on Wednesday September 7th at 11:00 AM at Berry Funeral Home to go in procession to Highland Memorial Cemetery for a 12:00 Noon interment service. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com