Charlotte Watkins Turner, 97, a lifelong resident of Jackson, passed away on June 2, 2025 at 6:00 a.m., surrounded by family. Graveside services will be held at Lakewood Memorial in Jackson.
She was married to Leigh Watkins III for 50 years before his death in 2002. She then married Thomas Creagher Turner in 2004 until his death in 2020.
Charlotte was born Charlotte Marie Andersen in Richton on August 4, 1927. She was the daughter of Gustav Julius Andersen and Mamie Pickering Andersen. The family moved to Jackson, where she attended Davis Elementary School, Bailey Junior High and Central High School. At Central, she was a beauty, Miss Central High, a member of multiple social clubs, and a member of the ROTC. She made many lifelong friends during these years. She then attended Mississippi University for Women, where she was involved in many social clubs and was a beauty. She earned a degree in history. After graduating, she taught school in Indianola for two years before returning to Jackson.
After marrying, Charlotte was very active in her community. She was president of the Jackson Junior League, a member of the Garden Club of Jackson, president of the Stitchery Guild, and a member of several luncheon and dinner clubs.
Charlotte was an avid and passionate gardener who found great joy tending to her yard. She went on to become a Master Gardener, a testament to her deep knowledge and expertise. Beyond her green thumb, Charlotte had a wide range of interests, including reading, politics, bridge, crossword puzzles, sports, and her church. She was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, where she dedicated many years to teaching Sunday School to three-year-olds. Charlotte was also known for bringing other children from her neighborhood to church and Sunday School. She was always encouraging those around her to strive for their personal best. In recognition of her remarkable service and contributions, she was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
She is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Watkins McNeel (Richard) and Martha Leigh Watkins Lehman (Thomas); her granddaughters, Catherine McNeel Florreich (Ryan) and Kirke McNeel Chamblee (Justin); and three great grandchildren, McNeel Ellison Florreich, Harrison Glenn Chamblee, and Leigh Kirke Chamblee. Also, her sister, Mamie Jean Gardner of El Paso, Texas; niece and nephew, Jean Gardner Kircher, Bill Gardner and great niece Mary Martha Michaels Pace.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Verteal Bell for her unwavering commitment and tireless dedication in caring for their mother over the years. They also extend heartfelt thanks to Yolanda Bell for her many years of devoted care for their mother. Additionally, the family is deeply appreciative to Geneva Oliver Pinkston for her compassionate care and for ensuring the continued upkeep of Charlotte’s garden.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends consider supporting First Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Day School, or French Camp.
