Dotsy Bess (Richardson) Turner passed away on February 11, 2023, in her home at the age of 98. She was preceded in death by her husband, Curry Preston Turner, and her son, Joseph Derek Turner. Dotsy is survived by her daughter, Sharon Dianne Millerwise and son-in-law, John Paul Millerwise. She is also survived by six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is survived as well by her brother, Rod Richardson, and his wife Judy.
Dotsy joined the WWII effort working in the shipyards in Biloxi, Mississippi, during which time her husband, Preston, served with the Navy in the Pacific for four years. Shortly after the war, they moved to Michigan for job opportunities and eventually settled in Kalamazoo where they remained, raising their family until retirement. Dotsy spent many years as registrar of Probate Court for Kalamazoo County while Preston worked for Eaton Manufacturing Company.
Retirement allowed them to move back to Alabama, living in Trinity until Preston’s passing. Dotsy made the decision to return to her beloved Moulton, and so at the age of 82, built a home and remained living exactly where she wanted, until she passed away.
During her later years, she was surrounded by numerous family and friends, and most importantly, by caring and compassionate caregivers. Their kindness and concern for Dotsy’s well being and comfort have been beyond measure. With her daughter residing in northern Michigan, their special presence in Dotsy’s life brought great comfort and confidence. She will forever be filled with gratitude for their love of her mother.
Many who knew Dotsy were well aware of her strong and continued devotion to Alabama football. Once college football season started, Dotsy was in front of her television, cheering on the Tide. And yes, sometimes strongly coaching from her sideline position. She was an avid reader and loved sharing books with others. The Moulton library as well as friends, kept her well supplied with reading material. Dotsy was also a great fan of old, usually black and white, Westerns. She most likely had a secret crush on Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke. She also spent many hours of pleasure enjoying her flowers as well as feeding and keeping careful watch over her songbirds. She was a member of the Moulton Baptist Church for many years, although unable to attend services for the past few years. She had a strong and abiding faith which was in her heart until she passed.
Dotsy indeed had a full life spanning the Depression, through WWII, and all of history since then. She did a lot of living, and for the past fifteen years, she did it her way.
A private graveside will be held at Moulton Memory Gardens with Parkway Funeral Home directing..
