Obituary of Hazel Mae Turner

Hazel Mae Chambers was born on January 12, 1940, in Davy, West Virginia.  She was the daughter of Hoyt Chambers and Thelma (Curry) Chambers.  At a young age, she moved to Michigan where she was educated through Monroe Public Schools.

Red-Headed, “Firecracker”, Hazel Mae Chambers married James Carl “J.C.” Turner on August 25, 1968, in Toledo, Ohio.  The couple had a blended family of his, hers, and theirs.  They had a special relationship with many of the same interests, from camping to attending Bluegrass festivals.  A self-proclaimed "Ornery Old Cuss", Hazel often spoke about what a good man J.C. was to anyone willing to listen. 

Hazel was a homemaker but stayed active in the community volunteering at the Thrift Shop of Monroe, which gave her a sense of community and a chance to explore new treasures before anyone else.  She was also a member of the Kentuckians of Michigan and a local bluegrass music club.  She attended Kentuckians where she loved to dance and the annual Milan Bluegrass Festival at the KC Campground.  She and J.C. even made a trip to Nashville for the Bluegrass Association Award Ceremony.  Her love for flea markets in Corbin, Kentucky, and her collection of colorful tennis shoes reflected her vibrant spirit and unique style.

Being the daughter of a coal miner, Hazel took on many of her father’s traits, of resiliency and determination.  Through many illnesses she earned a reputation of having multiple lives like a cat. She made her home on Union Street for many years, and she was a constant fixture to motorists as she sat on her front porch waving to passersby.  Her home was always open for conversation or a little gossip.  While she may not have been a gourmet cook, her potato salad and banana pudding were legendary, and she took great pride in sharing these dishes with family and friends.

Hazel Mae Turner, age 84, of Monroe, passed away at 4:50pm, on Sunday; May 19, 2024, while under the care of Heartland Hospice at the Monroe Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: James Carl “J.C.” Turner on August 3, 2017; a sister: Bonnie Goudy; a brother: John Chambers; a son: Gary Cosby; and a grandson: Dawson Turner.

To cherish her memory she leaves six sons: James (Karen) Turner Jr. of Monroe, Clyde Cosby of Ypsilanti, Larry Cosby of Erie, Danny Turner of Newport, Jeff (Concetta) Cosby of Monroe, and Jerry (Doreen) Cosby of Florida; three daughters:  Jamie Turner (Rachel Mathena) of Franklin, Indiana, Kim (Jeff) Tolles of Augusta, and Loretta (Ray) Yuergens of Avon, Indiana; a special daughter-in-law:  Nancy Cosby of Monroe; a sister: Margie (James) Cupp of Tazewell, Tennessee; a brother: Bill Chambers of Woodhaven; twenty-one grandchildren; and twenty-three great grandchildren.

Friends may gather on Thursday; May 23, 2024, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:00pm, also at Merkle’s with her grandson, Dylan Vandenburg, Chaplain of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officiating.  A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Thrift Shop of Monroe.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merkefs.com.