Gayle Ellen Turner

Gayle Ellen Turner, 66, of Atlanta, Georgia, died peacefully on May 17, 2025, with her cousin Nancy Turner Miranda by her side.

Gayle was born in Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital on April 11, 1959, to the late Frank Garren Turner of Mulberry, FL, and the late Barbara Hamilton Turner of Norcross, GA. She graduated from Briarcliff High School, where she marched with the Baronettes drill team and forged lifelong friendships.

A month before her graduation in 1977, Gayle was in an automobile accident that left her paralyzed and wheelchair bound. But the wheelchair never held her back from living her life to the fullest.

After rehabilitation at Shepherd Center, Gayle went to work for the Drug Enforcement Agency, where she worked until her retirement in 2010. She was serving as the Assistant Administrative Officer when she retired.

Gayle was deeply involved in her church, Clairmont Presbyterian, where she volunteered weekly in the church office and served as moderator of the Board of Deacons. She also loved the CBS Bible study at Intown Church.

Gayle was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Mark Turner.

A celebration of the life of Gayle Ellen Turner will be held this summer once the renovation of the church’s sanctuary is completed. Her remains will be laid to rest at Norcross City Cemetery in a private family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Clairmont Presbyterian Church.

Gayle’s spirit attracted the love and devotion of everyone she met, and every friend she made became a friend for life.