Louise Messenger-Turner

Louise Messenger-Turner, 92, of Olney, IL, died June 1, 2021, at Willowbrook Memory Care in Marshall, IL. She was born February 2, 1929, in Willow Hill, IL, the daughter of Everett Chapman & Hazel (Faught) Chapman, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Charles S. Messenger in Oblong, IL, on March 8, 1946, and he preceded her in death on February 9, 1980. She then married Donald E. Turner in Olney, IL, on November 17, 1990, and he preceded her in death on May 24, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Messenger, in 2006. She is survived by her sons & daughters-in-law, Terry & Sally Messenger (Robinson, IL), Jerry & Judy Messenger (Durham, NC), and Lon & Sally Messenger (Jacksonville, FL); by her daughter & son-in-law, Barbara & Steve Willmoth (Marshall, IL); by her step-daughter, Laura Anne Turner (Olney, IL); as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Louise grew up in the Oblong area and was a 1946 graduate of Oblong High School. From an early age, she displayed great skill in the kitchen. Her family was the beneficiary of the woman's old-school approach to cooking, as she could whip together some of the best chicken & noodles, rolls, and pies you'd ever have the good fortune to enjoy. Still, Louise was, by all accounts, very health-conscious. She was able to transform her passion into a career when she became a distributor for Shaklee Products. Over the next 30+ years, she would win many awards for her work and was even able to enjoy several rewards trips as a "thank you" for her dedication to her community's wellness. These travels found her in destinations like Hawaii, Acapulco, and even Europe! Back home, she was a staple at Sherman's Department Store in Olney, IL, where she was able to exercise her God-given ability to connect with people. In fact, at one point in time, it seemed like she knew just about everyone within a 50-mile radius! Anyone blessed enough to have known this determined, energetic force of nature could attest not only to her strong character but also to her incredible generosity as well. She was known to be charitable, almost to a fault, a trait that pointed to a life partnered with Jesus. Though she was a member of the St. Paul Methodist Church in Olney for over 50 years, it was the way she lived her life that affirms that she knew her Savior. We are thankful that the 92 years we have shared with Louise are but the beginning in light of the eternal life she has found. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23rd, at the Mound Cemetery, rural Jasper County. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Oblong Children's Christian Home", with envelopes available at the cemetery.