Jerrilyn "Jerri" Sue Ericson Turner

Jerrilyn “Jerri” Sue Ericson was born in Chicago, Illinois to parents Edward and Ethel Ericson and was the second oldest of five siblings.  She lived up to her family nickname of “Sugar” or “Sug” through her sweet, supportive nature—a trait she carried with her throughout her life.  Her parents taught her at an early age to love Jesus and supported her gift for music through lessons in piano and marimba.  This unique talent for the marimba opened many opportunities for her, including traveling to Israel and Europe on a teen team with Youth for Christ Ministries.  Jerri won a scholarship to John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas where this beautiful city girl met a handsome country boy named Joshua Murray Turner.  Together, the two music majors became a dynamic force and traveled with the "Harmonaires" doing PR and student recruitment for JBU.

Murray and Jerri married in 1964 and were invited to be the musical portion of “Spiritual Life Crusades” with evangelist Mel Dibble, traveling across America for the next several years in a 30-foot Avion travel trailer, singing and leading youth groups at churches and camps. Murray and Jerri made their “home base” in Siloam Springs where they had their first child, Tonnya, in 1965 and their son, Jeff, two and a half years later. Jerri found her greatest joy in being a mother. The family soon moved their home base to Chicago while they continued to travel and minister through music across the country.

In 1971, God used the tragedy of an apartment fire, in which they lost almost everything, to move the family down to Plano, Texas.  The fire insurance Murray had purchased about a month earlier provided a down payment for their first home—a true testament to God’s provision. These new “Texans” soon started attending Fellowship Bible Church, pastored by Dr. Gene Getz.  Jerri was able to combine her passion for Jesus, music, and children by leading the church’s children’s choir.  This was no ordinary choir!  Jerri always had a flair for drama, and she produced elaborate musical productions involving costumes, choreography, quality music and stage props for large groups of children.  She continued directing this flourishing children’s music ministry for over 15 years.  Despite her full life, Jerri always had a desire for one more child, and God blessed she and Murray with their third child, Jenelle, in 1979.  Little Jeni participated in many of those wonderful children’s musicals Jerri directed through the years.

In addition to her music ministry, Jerri was also the catalyst for what would become a thriving family business when she bought an antique printer’s tray for Murray as a gift.  When he began selling the trays, Joshua’s Wholesale was born.  As the years passed and their children grew, Jerri continued to love motherhood into these new phases of life, embracing her children’s spouses as the “best mother-in-law ever.”  Eventually, she became “Nana” to 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren!  Jerri was always an engaging and joyful mother and grandmother, overflowing with love and always willing and available to babysit the grandbabies.  She incorporated music and Jesus whenever she could, teaching her children and then grandchildren songs as she played piano.  She was a great cook and made delicious holiday meals that the family enjoyed together.  For Jerri, it was always about family—family and Jesus.  She was openhearted and took several people into her home at different times, interpreting the word “family” to encompass anyone who needed one!

Jerri lost Murray, the love of her life, in 2020 after a long battle with Inclusion Body Myositis.  Now, after a short battle with Primary Peritoneal Cancer, she joins him in heaven where they are celebrating together with their beloved Savior, face to face.

Jerrilyn Turner was a beautiful, supportive, authentic, funny, encouraging, loving, creative and talented woman of God who served family and friends with her whole heart.  She is deeply missed but her legacy will continue to shine.

Jerri is preceded in death by her husband, Joshua Murray Turner, her parents, Edward and Ethel Ericson, and her brother Edward.

Jerri is survived by her children, Tonnya Blaylock and her husband David, Jeff Turner and his wife Karen, Jeni Eberhard and her husband Mike; grandchildren Luke Blaylock and his wife Maxcey, Joshua Blaylock and his wife Caitlin, Essie Turner, Naomi Turner, Lily Turner, Baily Helms, Peri Helms, Sophie Nola Helms, Remington Helms, and Hazel Eberhard; great grandchildren Brynlee, Shea, Charles, and Joshua Beau Blaylock; brothers Terri Ericson and his wife Jill, Randy Ericson and his wife Mary Anne, sister Ruthie Claybaugh and her husband Joe and many loving extended family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Jerri's life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/108105

Jerri’s final resting place is beside her husband at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney, Texas.

If desired, contributions can be made in Jerri’s name to the following missionary funds, both of which benefit very special people to Jerri:

Missionary fund for Alex and Amy Galloway in Malaga Spain:

https://novo.org/projects?fund-code=7491-00

Mission fund for the Kirk church, honoring Marti Grant:

https://thekirk.churchcenter.com/giving/to/missions-fund