Obituary of Shirley Rae Turner

Shirley Rae Turner, 87, of Sutter Creek, CA, went to be with the Lord on April 4, 2024, in Lynchburg, VA. She was born July 18, 1936, in Cottonwood, CA to parents Orlando and Mary Smith. The Smith Ranch was a source of fond childhood memories for Shirley and is where she developed her love for animals large and small, from her faithful horse to the kittens she would sneak into her bedroom. After high school, Shirley joined the “Rhythmettes” an all-female vocal touring group. Influenced by this experience, Shirley fostered a lifelong commitment to music, serving as church choir director, organist, pianist, and a beloved music educator in Amador County for over 50 years. She was the Interfaith Community of Choir’s organist for 18 seasons. Mimi, her affectionate family name, was known for her generous giving, lighthearted and kind demeanor, personal drive, and dedication to service. Along with the “hats” Shirley wore as a mother, wife, elementary school teacher and musician, she found time for her favorite activities: gardening, animal care, concerts, plays and showering her family with love and laughter. Her stalwart commitment to music and education impacted family, friends, and students, inspiring many to pursue these disciplines as careers. Shirley’s positive influence was also deeply felt in her faith community with the emulation of her core beliefs. She found solace when worshipping through sacred music and fostered a reverent group of church musicians. Her largest contributions to musical service were in the Methodist and later the Catholic churches of Amador County.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 27 years, Giles Turner of Sutter Creek; son John (Kirstin); and grandchildren Ariana, Carlton, and Jonathan Leggett of Sutter Creek, currently in VA. She is also survived by Giles’s children Erin Turner, Colleen Goldstein (Edward), Brendan Turner, and grandchildren Max and Logan Goldstein of Petaluma.

Shirley was preceded in death by her son Thomas E. Deasy; her parents; her sister Eva Mae Smith of Redding; and her brothers William Fred Smith of Prescott, AZ, and Jerry Lee Smith of San Francisco. Shirley will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, compassion, and nurturing presence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Jackson, CA. Interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery. Donations can be sent in Shirley’s honor to APAL, Interfaith Food Bank, and Amador Community Foundation's music scholarships.