Lincoln County Obituary
Lutheran Redeemers Cemetery

© Brown-Cummings Funeral Home
Date unknown
Reprinted with permission
Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Joyce Irene Wolff Turnbow

January 17, 1936 ~ October 31, 2020

he graveside services celebrating and honoring the life of Mrs. Joyce Turnbow will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday October 4, 2020 in the Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery, Cushing, Oklahoma with Pastor Dude Youngblood officiating. Services are under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral home.

Mrs. Joyce Irene Turnbow, age 84, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2020 after living several years with Alzheimer's. While she will be desperately missed by her family, we are joyful knowing that she is now with her Lord and Savior and love of her life, Leon.

The daughter of the late Clemen and Mildred Wolff, Joyce was born on January 17, 1936 in Cushing, Oklahoma. In her late teens, she met Leon Clarence Turnbow and the two were united in marriage on February 27, 1954. The two spent 57 years together in marriage prior to Leon's passing in 2011. Leon and Joyce built a life together based on love and faith in the Lord. They were members of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Cushing where Joyce was very active. To this union, two sons were born, Alan and Jeff. The boys were Joyce's pride and joy. Over the years, the couple lived in Oklahoma City, Guymon, Cushing, and Enid. In 1964 Leon and Joyce loaded up the family and headed to Guymon Oklahoma where they built and operated several Arrowhead Drive-ins. In 1968 they sold the drive-in operation and moved to Enid where they built and operated the Chances R Restaurant. Many local residents have fond memories of Chances R. Residents of Cushing may remember Joyce for the many years she worked in customer service at Bill's EZ Out. She was one of the kindest ladies, always welcoming customers with a smile and loved her job because it allowed her to see many of her friends from town. Joyce was very proud of the careers and families that both of her sons built.

In 1977, Joyce became "Meme" when her first grandson was born. Her four grandchildren have many happy memories with their Meme that involved trips to their horse barn, Braum's, Mazzio's Pizza but most importantly, to Meme's kitchen where she made the best food. Each grandchild dreams of just one more sampling of Meme's chicken fried steak, homemade pie, plum jelly or one of her rolls. Meme loved watching her grandsons play sports and was also proud of their academic achievements. She may have come in to this world as an Oklahoma Sooner but we hope she left it cheering for the Oklahoma State Cowboys due to the bulk of her grandkids attending school there.

Joyce's loving heart didn't just touch friends and family, she embraced many animals as well. She was very proud of her Quarter Horses and will be remembered for her passion in raising, training, and racing horses. Over the years, many stray cats and other animals made their way to the Turnbow barn and she loved each and every one of them.

Survivors include her two sons; Alan Turnbow and wife Debby of the Woodlands, Texas and Jeff Turnbow and wife Melodie of Enid, Oklahoma; four grandchildren Jason Turnbow and wife Torry, Erin Babich and husband Michael, Brandon Turnbow and wife Kalli and Ryan Turnbow; We feel blessed that she got to meet many of her great grandchildren as well, Cassidy, Sloan, Beth, Kit, Millie, Carter and Baker; one step-grand-daughter Lindsey Lewis and her husband Scott Lewis; three step-great-grandchildren, Jordynn, Malorie and Keaton. Joyce is survived in death by many adoring nieces and nephews and in-laws as well. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Darrell and Bill Wolff.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alzheimer's Foundation in honor of Joyce Turnbow with Brown-Cummings Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.