Juanita Jean “Jeanie” Turk, 81, of Sour Lake, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 17, 2026, at The Arboretum of Winnie, just one day before her 82nd birthday.
Jeanie was born on October 18, 1944, in Decatur, Alabama, to Charles Ray Thomas and Eunice Parker. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, successful businesswoman, and dedicated community leader whose determination, generosity, and passion for life touched many.
While attending Louisiana State University (LSU), Jeanie met the love of her life, Wayne Lynn Turk. They married while still in college, beginning a beautiful partnership that lasted more than 61 years. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendships, laughter, and adventures. Wayne was always Jeanie’s biggest supporter and her “wind beneath her wings.” They especially loved traveling and dancing together. Wayne passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2026, just fifteen days before Jeanie.
Jeanie was a proud and loving mother who instilled in her daughters the importance of hard work, perseverance, independence, and family. She was equally proud of her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.
Jeanie had a lifelong passion for politics and community service. In the late 1970s, she served on the Hardin-Jefferson Independent School District Board of Trustees. A proud Republican, she served as a delegate representing Hardin County during presidential election cycles beginning with Ronald Reagan. She was a woman of strong convictions who believed in standing up for what she believed was right.
Jeanie began her real estate career in the early 1980s and later established RE/MAX Northwest in Pinewood, Texas. In 2005, she and Wayne, along with their business partners, founded RE/MAX on the Water – Bolivar. Her entrepreneurial spirit, dedication, and love for helping others helped build a successful family business. After more than four decades in real estate, Jeanie retired in 2023, proudly passing the torch to her daughters, who continue the family legacy.
Jeanie loved life, family, friends, traveling, dancing, and politics. She was outgoing, determined, and never afraid to speak her mind. Her strength, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family will forever be remembered.
Jeanie is survived by her daughters, Wendy Dozier and her husband, Gerald Scott Wright, and Holly Cravy and her husband, Ronny Cravy; her grandchildren, Caitlin Dozier Frank and her husband, Austin Frank, and Garrett Dozier; her sister, Sarah Kate Davenport; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 61 years, Wayne Lynn Turk; her parents, Charles Ray Thomas and Eunice Parker; and her brothers, Charles Ray Thomas Jr. and John Paul Thomas.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at The Arboretum of Winnie and to Jeanie’s devoted caregiver, Faye Mays, for the exceptional care, kindness, and love they provided during her final months. Their dedication and compassion brought great comfort to Jeanie and her family and will always be deeply appreciated.
Although their family is heartbroken by the loss of both Jeanie and Wayne just fifteen days apart, they find comfort in the beautiful life their parents shared and the lasting legacy of love they leave behind.
Together in life, together in love, and now together in eternal rest.
Funeral services for Jeanie and Wayne Turk will be held together, honoring their remarkable lives and more than 61 years of marriage.
A gathering of Wayne and Jeanie’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A celebration of Wayne and Jeanie’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2026, at Broussard’s, with Reverend Kyle Abshire officiating. Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Sour Lake. Following the interment will be a catered meal served at Johnson’s Barn, 845 Nevada, Sour Lake, Texas, 77659.
