- Date Of Birth: February 16, 1976
- Date Of Death: January 26, 2015
- State: Arizona
Joclynn Helene Turner, beloved daughter, sister, friend and teacher died from breast cancer January 26, 2015. Born February 16, 1976 in Cleveland, Ohio, her mother, Jacqueline, adopted her November 26, 1978 while working as a school principal.
After Jaqueline’s marriage to John Turner in 1980, Joclynn started her elementary education in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She continued in Albuquerque, New Mexico and ultimately graduated from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1984. She was awarded a basketball scholarship to Scottsdale Community College and after completing her associate’s degree she transferred to Northern Arizona University graduating with a BS in education. She later received her MS in education from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.
Her health struggles began at an early age when she lost hearing in her right ear. In later years her left ear became impaired and in her early teens she suffered from severe allergies. After her graduation from NAU she was diagnosed with lupus and Sjogrens syndrome. In February of 2011 she was diagnosed with inductal carcinoma (breast cancer) which she battled until her death.
Despite these challenges, Joclynn’s parents instilled in her a spirit of hope, determination and excitement for life demonstrated by her enthusiasm for sports including basketball, swimming, golf, gymnastics and snow sports. She was always looking forward to her next JT adventure such as traveling to festivals, beaches and cruises. In her rare quiet time she kept active by journaling, reading, movie watching and playing games – card, electronic or board.
After graduating from NAU, Joclynn dedicated herself to teaching elementary school for the Scottsdale Unified School District and the Henrico County Public School District. Her love for her students and co-workers was inspiring and apparent to all. In her last positions at Pemberton and Shady Grove Elementary Schools in Richmond, one of her greatest joys was following her students’ success as they progressed through their education.
Her generous, compassionate spirit was also demonstrated by her taking on the responsibility of mentoring a little sister and her zealous involvement with CARITAS (Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter) through West End Assembly of God, where she was also a greeter and gave her time and energy to many other groups and functions. Her deep Christian faith was life-long; she was baptized at St. Mark’s-on-the-Mesa in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 29, 1986.
Joclynn is survived by her parents John and Jacqueline Turner, two brothers Albert and wife Katy, Scott, sister Bonnie, Uncle Mickey and many cousins.
