Sarah Campbell Turner

Sarah Campbell Turner took her last curtain call on October 17, 2022, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a short illness. She spent many happy years working at the Muskogee Little Theater, either as an actor, director, producer, board member, set painter, and in many other roles. She was a fine actor and a diligent director, winning several Milties as a result. She particularly treasured her many “theater” friends. Sarah was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Justin and Ethel (Tatum) Campbell. She attended Longfellow Elementary School, West Junior High, and graduated from Central High School. She attended William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri, and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Cherokee Elementary School for several years before her marriage. Sarah married John Dee Turner of Muskogee in 1976, and they had two children, Emily Dee and Matthew Weber. Sarah and John owned Muskogee Rubber Stamp & Seal Co. for many years. After selling the company, she worked for several years at CASA. Sarah grew up in First Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon and Elder. She sang in the choir and actively participated in children’s programs. She was a sustaining member of Junior Service League and enjoyed the many community activities associated with that. She was also a great supporter of the Azalea Festival Banner program. Over the years she painted many banners which were always favorites at the auction. She cherished her time at Wauhillau Outing Club, where she read on the deck and watched the parade of wildlife. Predeceasing her were her parents; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Turner; her beloved grandmother, Goldye Brown Campbell; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, John Turner; daughter Emily Colburn and son-in-law, Tad, of Tulsa; and son Matthew of the home. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Charlie and Maggie Colburn; her sister, Justine Thompson of Shawnee, Oklahoma; nephews Stuart Thompson of Shawnee and Justin Thompson of Minneapolis, Minnesota; several cousins, including Jane DeGroot of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia; as well as many friends. A celebration of Sarah’s life will be held Friday, October 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at Muskogee Little Theater. All friends are encouraged to join us. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to Muskogee Little Theater, 311 South 3rd Street, Muskogee, OK 74401. Donations may also be made at muskogeelittletheater.com.

Sarah Campbell Turner

January 25, 1951 - October 17, 2022