Lana Gayle McClure Turley, of Alum Creek, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at the age of 79, (you almost made it to 80, Mommy!), on October 27, 2024, at 11:22 am, CAMC Memorial.
She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Ernest, “Ernie,” Ray Turley, her parents, Glen and Gladys (Worstell) McClure, of Yawkey, sister-in-law Helen McClure, of Yawkey, nephews Brad McClure, of Michigan, and Mark McClure, of Alum Creek, brother Gary Wayne McClure, of Alum Creek, and earlier this year, her youngest brother, (two days before her birthday and yes, he was able to tell her Happy Birthday, “in case he forgot”), Stanley McClure, of Kimball, Michigan. On my dad’s side of the family, her brothers and sisters-in-laws, David Turley (of Massachusetts), Dale Turley (Texas and West Virginia), Lynn Turley (Palm Pay, FL, Carless Turley, (Alum Creek), Beverly Turley, (Alum Creek), Christina Pell, (Saint Petersburg, Florida) and Sandra Fitzwater, (South Charleston).
She is survived by her only child, Elizabeth, “Beth,” Turley, formally of Alum Creek, now,
uncertain, emotional support cat, Walter, the Ginger rescue who loved her and perks his ears
when I say, “Mommaw,” her oldest and, “big brother,” Marvin McClure, of Yawkey, sister-in-law
Kay George McClure, of Alum Creek, Sheryl Turley Estep, and Linda McClure of Kimball,
Michigan, who my mom considered, “The sister she never had.” Also surviving, so many nieces,
nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom she
loved, and most called her, “Nana,” out of the utmost respect and love. Please know, she loved
all of you, unconditionally.
When my Mother and I started discussing her final wishes, almost four years ago, me, being
me, said, I had to be the one to write her obituary. The difficulty has been, not the final
good-bye, although, this is, with the exception of placing her next to my Pop, but honoring her
memory not just as her daughter, but through the eyes of those she touched, whether it was a
drive-thru worker at McDonald’s, a convenience store worker, a customer, or, co-worker at
Kohl’s, (her retirement job), or a resident and co-workers at the old Heartland of Charleston. She
would tell me of the laughter and inside jokes she shared with total strangers, who to her, were
not strangers in the least. Maybe the old adage is true, you can always tell your secrets to a
beautician.
After Pop passed away, she went back to work as the beautician at the old Heartland of
Charleston. She adored the residents and they, her. The “shop,” was THE place to go for the
ladies and it never surprised anyone to hear them singing, laughing, and “gossiping,” of the
goings on in their small world. After she retired, we talked about how we wished she would have
written down many of the comical stories, the daily lives, the drama, and one special lady, who
unofficially referred to herself as my Mother’s assistant, rightfully so, she always answered the
phone, Dainty Dearing, (yes, her real name and one crackerjack of a woman). I like to believe
Dainty was waiting for her, with her crooked, sheepish smile, asking, “Where’ve you been, boss
lady?”
My Mommy could find the humor in tragedy, or heartbreak- or humor on top of humor- and her
ability to do just that still amazes me, (although this is perhaps one of the many traits she
passed on to me, from her own Mother). The one story I remember, primarily due to it being the
most recent. Back in the Summer, I had to go to Chase Bank for her. The drive-through couldn’t
help and I happened to see a woman walking to the parking lot- and I even remembered her.
So, I stopped her and asked, “Do you remember the woman who once, instead of sending the
pen back through, she sent a cigarette?” She said, “YES! Lana!” The amazing part, my Mother
sending a cigarette through to the driver-through teller, had happened 25+ years prior.
My Mommy’s strength and resilience after Pop died, is the true testament of not only a wife’s
love of her late husband, but the love of a Mother for her daughter and to continue teaching the
values BOTH of them believed. Kindness over hate. To listen to those who confide in you and
hold it to your heart, telling not a soul, service over self, to never be ashamed to ask for help
when needed, to always help, even if all you can offer is to listen, and above all, love. Love with
everything you have in you, because life is too precious for hate and jealousy.
To combine a semi-tribute to BOTH my Mommy and Pop, your little girl is going to be okay. Sad,
lost, hurt- absolutely. But God knew the little girl he was going to give you. One strong-willed, a
little sassy, speaks her mind and gets in “trouble,” for doing so, now, woman. Mommy, you and
Pop raised a perfectly, imperfect daughter, but strong nonetheless. He gave her the heart, the
lessons, and the two of you to see me through it all. I shared you with a community, from the
age of about 7 forward. I observed, listened, and learned- humanity above all else is why we
feel the deepest, and therefore the legacy of Ernie and Lana Turley lives on. I could not have
been more blessed and honored to have been, and forever will be, YOUR daughter.
Pop was waiting for you, Mommy, and I had to make the hardest decision of not only my life, but
the unselfish one. May Heaven have opened its gates, greeting you with a case of Diet Coke
and chocolate Hostess Cupcakes. And please, God, a Keurig, so she can have her morning,
afternoon, and late-night coffee. We also know, Aunt Beverly had the pool vacuumed and ready,
all snacks, (as in everything neither of you SHOULD NOT eat, but will within an hour), and I
hope the two of you are floating freely, in the pool, wondering why your daughters are sad.
An extra special thank you to my cousin, Christie Turley Sisson, who didn’t hesitate in
answering my calls, when I told her what was happening and quickly. We grew up living next to
one another as sisters, not cousins. Thank you for ensuring me she was at peace, you were
meant to be there- and you know my mom wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, (even going
to Curry’s with me just 24 hours later and me still in complete shock). To my oldest cousin on the
McClure side, Sharee, from the youngest grandchild- thank you for coming as quickly as
possible with Uncle Marvin. He knew he was about to see his baby sister pass and I can’t even
imagine. She loved him, after all, he taught her how to drive at 10 years old. So for us all, let’s
set our little arguments aside and we honor the parents who raised us, and celebrate THEIR
lives, their stories, to laugh and cry, because this is what family does.
Another special thank you to the nurses, aides, and the doctors in the PICU at CAMC Memorial,
for treating my Mommy as a human, and fully explaining to me-the daughter, what was
happening and what would happen, with no agenda and assuring her daughter she had made
the right decision. To Amy, my mom’s last RN- thank you for allowing me to fall apart in tears on
your shoulder and handing me her, “Heartbeat in a Bottle.”
Per her wishes, she was cremated and will be laid to rest beside Pop. There will be no calling
hours and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, I do ask,
donate books to your local library, or school, or when a child asks you to read to them, please
do.
To Randy Curry and Curry Funeral Home, thank you. Thank you for taking such good final care
of my Mommy and Pop. 36 and a half years apart.
To the Moon, Mommy. To the moon.
