Obituary

Deborah “Debbie” Jane Weller Turner, 63, lived life to the absolute fullest and passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Debbie was born on June 11, 1959, in Tallahassee, FL to Jack and Alice Weller. After her birth, they returned to Pensacola. Debbie spent her youth in the Bayshore area among many life-long friends. She attended Turner Lee Day School and graduated high school from The School of Liberal Arts in 1977. Debbie attended FSU before she came home to work on her dream of starting a floral and gift business. She worked at The Shop for Papagallo and later at Artesana in addition to arranging flowers out of her home. She arranged flowers for many occasions including Debutant Cotillions, and many weddings. In late 1987, Brooks Thornton Florist, now Celebrations The Florist was acquired. With a great deal of hard work and determination, Celebrations has become a household name in Pensacola. In 1979, Debbie met the love of her life, Hill, on a Pensacola Ski Club trip. The two married in 1981 and began their life together in one of the first apartments in Downtown Pensacola overlooking Palafox Street. It was there that they held Fiesta Parade watching parties before moving briefly to Scenic Highway, while building a home in East Hill where they began raising three fine sons. Debbie’s creative talent was only surpassed by her unceasing capacity for giving and making others happy. She not only gave of herself to family and her wonderful friends but also to the Pensacola community. She served on the Fiesta of Five Flags Board as well as Fiesta Forces and The Junior League of Pensacola. Through Celebrations much has been given to charities and good causes in Pensacola. Debbie loved traveling with Hill and especially with friends. Many unforgettable memories were made on their fun trips to Napa Valley, North Carolina, Nashville, and Birmingham. She was so creative, and a leader of the family. Many of the traditions that the family enjoys are due to her wonderful personality.

Debbie is preceded in death by her father, Howard Jack Weller; her beloved sister, Mary Alice Weller Price; as well as her grandparents, Frontis and Mary Carroll Sherrill.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 42 years, Richard Hill Turner, Jr.; her adoring sons, Richard Hill Turner III (Daisy), Harris Weller Turner (Hillary) and John “Jack” Carroll Turner (Elaine); her grandchildren whom she adored, who fondly called her “Mimi”, Virginia Lovelace, Sarah Frances, Alice Elizabeth, and Margot Jane Turner. She is also survived by her devoted mother, Alice Sherrill Weller; her sisters, Diane Weller and Brenda Franz; sisters-in law, Sarah Turner and Frances Walsh (Michael); brothers-in-law, Tim Price and Michael Turner; her nephews, Patrick and Hayden Price, Joseph Walsh, and niece, Lucy Walsh; godchild, Saranne Soule Morrow; as well as countless dear cousins and friends.

Debbie’s family would like to thank her loving and kind caregivers, Carol McGhee, Dee Davis, Meesha Miller, Liza Miller, Felicia Bargaineer, Lolita Odem, and her beloved friends who sat by her side. Their love and care for Debbie and the whole family was truly a godsend.

Visitation will be held 5-7pm Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held 10:30am Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Joan Wooten officiating. A reception will follow in the Jane C. Noonan Center. A private family interment will be at St. John’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Camp Seale Harris, 500 Chase Park South, Suite# 104, Birmingham, AL 35244.