Sara Turner: A Day of Free Swimming at the Arcata Pool to Honor a Beloved Mother

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Sara Myers Turner died on May 24th in Arcata, CA from complications of a stroke. She was born September 15, 1926 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Idelia and Robert T. Myers.  Sara and her brothers, Bobby and Bill lived through the Depression of the 30s which she described as “not a hardship of importance” for the tight-knit family.  She attended Ole Miss and  earned a BA in Sociology and Psychology in 1947.

Sara accepted a scholarship to study at the University of Chicago.  She earned a master’s degree in Social Service Administration and met her future husband, Jim, who was also from Hattiesburg. They married on December 31, 1948.  Sara and Jim had three sons in the 50’s, Mark, Paul and Scott.  In ’65 the family moved to Arcata.  Jim was to become the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Humboldt State College.

Following one’s husband was typical back then, but Sara had ambitions of her own.  When Jim resigned his post in administration to return to teaching, she resumed to her studies and was soon offered a position as Associate and then Full Professor at what had grown to be HSU.  Sara’s work experience helped her mentor students develop skills in their field work placements. Her success was honored with a Fulbright Grant.  The award opened the door for her to teach in Taiwan for a year. Jim had retired by then, so they reversed roles.  She taught classes while he did the shopping and daily chores of living abroad.

With three boys and a black Lab, the Turners enjoyed all the bounty the northwest offered for camping, fishing and rockhounding. When one son was diagnosed with mental illness in the ‘70s Sara set up a self-help group for other families with an impaired adult child.  That was one of the first of many such groups to join and expand NAMI. the National Alliance for Mental Illness. She remained active with NAMI for the rest of her life.
Survivors include her sons, Paul and Scott, as well as six grandchildren Callista, Jonathan, Sebastian, Spencer, Jimmy and Henry.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no funeral as such. The Arcata Community Pool will be open to all for free swimming on Saturday,  June 25^th.  Swimming was an essential element of Sara’s life. She called it her Valium. Friends are encouraged to come from 8am-4pm to swim.  Please join us for pizza and remarks on the patio. You can call 707-822-0235 with any questions.

An informal service will also be held at 4pm Monday the 27th in the Arcata Presbyterian Church.  It’s located at 670 11th Street in Arcata.  Please join us for either or both.

Scott and Paul Turner

Contributions to Stepping Stones Fund at Humboldt Area Foundation will be welcome. Established in 2001 by the Turner Family Trust, money is spent on activities for adults with chronic mental illness to enjoy recreation in the community. Please sign the guest book.