Dana Payne Turner

Funeral services for Dana Payne Turner, 71, of Cleburne, will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2024 in the St. Mark United Methodist Church with Rev. Lauren Christenberry officiating. There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in the Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home Chapel. A private burial will be held at a later date in the Britton Cemetery in Midlothian, Texas. In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests donations be made to the St. Mark United Methodist Church at 1109 W. Henderson Street, Cleburne, Texas 76033. www.stmarkcleburne.com in honor of Dana Payne Turner. 

Dana Payne Turner passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024 in Cleburne. She was born to Jack Smith and Lillie Mae Richards Payne on May 22, 1952 in Fort Worth, Texas. Dana married the love of her life – her Texas Ranger, George L. Turner on June 8, 1974 in Arlington, Texas. They were married 49 years at the time of his death in 2023. She was a devoted and long-time member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, Cleburne, where she served in many volunteer roles such as the Bread Basket ministry. Dana worked as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Departments of John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth and Walls Regional Hospital now, Texas Health Systems of Cleburne for over 40 years. She was known for her ability to calm the storms – diffusing countless situations that could have gotten out of hand as she settled patients with a firm hand and loving manner both, enabling the medical team to care for their needs. She was an inspiration and role model for many nurses during her time. It has been said that her unwavering love of nursing and abilities to work in stressful, critical situations earned the respect of her peers and patients. Dana was family oriented to say the least. There is nothing that “Grandma” would not do for her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She was an avid animal lover, especially of dogs and cats – often taking in strays. Dana took great joy in being outdoors, enjoying the sunshine. She was an artist at heart with many talents, in which she used to generously serve her family, friends, church and community. She painted several yellow jackets throughout Cleburne as well as oil paintings for loved ones. Dana enjoyed making clay ornaments, needle point projects and crafts in general. Dana was the ultimate “feisty lady” who was never idle. Her strong-will and independent spirit will be missed greatly. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

Survivors include her children, Joshua Thomas Turner & his wife, Amanda, Eden Susana Turner Howell & her husband, Blake, and Trace Payne Turner & his wife, Amy; grandchildren, Max Henry Turner and Lily Emma Turner; siblings, Elizabeth Braun & her husband, Paul, Bryan Payne & his wife, Cindi, and Barry Payne & his wife, Claire; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the staff of Ridgeview Nursing Home and Legend Hospice for the loving care provided for Dana in her last days.