Janet Benge Turner

Janet Benge Turner, of Kernersville left us to sing in God’s Choir of Angels on Monday September 8, 2025. Janet was born on March 31, 1934, in Statesville, NC to Thurman Franklin Benge and Oleta Plyler Benge. She graduated from Statesville High School in 1952. In 1954, she married William David Turner (Red) of Waynesville, NC. After beginning their marriage in Charlotte, NC, they moved to Knoxville, TN. Their children. Martha and Mike, were born in Knoxville. Then the family moved to Winston-Salem, NC where their son, Mark, was born. They were married for 46 years until Red's passing in 2001. In 2007, Janet moved to Kernersville, NC, a community that she loved.

Janet was devoted to her family, her church, her friends, and her community. She was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Janet was an accomplished baker who judged cakes for the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem. She was a talented seamstress and often displayed her handiwork at the Fair. She enjoyed growing flowers and tending to her vegetable gardens, both at her home and her son Mike's home.

Wherever she lived, Janet was passionate about volunteering and serving in her local church and community. Janet was an active member of Sharon UMC in Lewisville, NC, and later, Main Street UMC in Kernersville. She was active in the United Methodist Women, serving as District President. She served on the Church Board and sang in the choir. She traveled on UMW mission trips including helping children on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. She loved traveling to Lake Junaluska to serve as a delegate to the Annual Conference.

For many years, Janet was active in the Forsyth County Extension Homemakers where she made many friends. Traveling to many places, she served on the executive committee, earned the rank of Master Gardener, and assisted chefs in cooking classes at Forsyth Tech.

Throughout all her life, Janet, with tireless enthusiasm, spent her life performing the work God sent her here to do: to give everyone she encountered a beaming smile and an encouraging word.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, William Turner; parents, Franklin and Oleta; brother, Boyce Benge; and sister, Phyllis Brown. She is survived by her daughter, Martha Garrett (Joe) of Clifton, VA; her sons, Michael Turner of Oak Ridge, NC and Mark Turner (Anne) of Kernersville. She loved her grandchildren: Bill, Kristen, Margaret, Joanna, and Baron; great-grandchildren: Cora and Miles; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate God's Gift of Life will be planned for a later date.

Janet loved all the physicians, nurses, CNAs, and caregivers who made her life comfortable and happy. Our family remembers and is thankful for all of you.