Sharon P. Turner's Obituary
Sharon P. Turner “Shai”, age 74, passed away peacefully on August 19,2021 with her daughter by her side at Suncoast Mid-County Hospice center after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Sharon was born in Elgin, Illinois on November 2, 1946 to Ethel C. and Samuel P. Palmer. She lived her entire life in her beloved Clearwater, only leaving to get her Bachelor’s Degree in education at the University of Florida. Teaching young children was her other love.
She married Allin Turner and began their teaching careers together in Lake Butler, Florida in 1968. Sharon’s only daughter, Merrell McCracken, was born in Gainesville, FL, two months before moving back to her childhood home, Clearwater. Shai enjoyed her family, the beach and teaching Kindergarten for 40 years at Safety Harbor Elementary, retiring in 2012. While teaching, Shai served as her school’s union representative for many years, as well as the Technology rep and was nominated for teacher of the year. Sharon adored her family and loved to watch the children play and enjoyed our large family holiday gathering with the Palmers and the Crowns.
Preceded in death by her parents Ethel (2007) and Sam (1972) and her younger sister Mary Ellen (1981). Sharon is survived by her only daughter Merrell, of Seminole, FL, her brother Samuel P. Palmer and her sister in law Susan D. Palmer, of Clearwater, FL, and brother Richard J. Palmer of Gulfport, FL. Her loving nieces Leah M. Palmer and Hannah Ryan Russo, her husband Nick, their children Charlotte and Skip, all of Houston, TX.
Always the teacher, Shai chose to make an anatomical donation to the Florida Anatomical Board at the University of Florida. The family plans to hold a small private celebration of life. A larger celebration may be planned in two years’ time when her time in Gainesville is complete and her cremains come home. Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to American Cancer Society, Safety Harbor Elementary School or Suncoast Hospice in her memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Sharon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sharon?
Share a story where Sharon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sharon you’ll never forget.
How did Sharon make you smile?