Eleanor D. (Tate) Turner

Eleanor Turner, 81, of Chattanooga, died peacefully and went on to be with our Lord on Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Eleanor was born in Rossville, GA to the late Lee Roy and Ruth Marie Tate. She is preceded in death by her brother, Lee Roy Tate, Jr.

Survivors include her husband of 31 years, Thomas A. Turner, Sr.; her children, David Abercrombie (Diane), Steve Abercrombie (Kristi), Kelly Abercrombie (Martha), Thomas Turner, Jr. (Sherry), Andy Turner, and Doug Turner (Tina); her siblings, Martha O’Neal, Naomi Brown (George), and David Tate (Gail); her grandchildren, Laura, Tosh, Caitlin, Martha-Anne, Lanna, Trey, Lilly, and Gabe; her great-grandchildren, Sadie, Ella, Carter, Sam, Josie, and Ellie; nieces, nephews, and a long host of friends.

Ellie’s love for her family was easily seen through her actions.  There were Christmas gatherings with far too many decorations, countless birthday parties, lots of silly hats, random hugs, and gigantic smiles that told how she felt about all of us.  And, we say “all” because if you know us, then you know we have a really big family. Ellie’s heart was one of the few capable of loving all of us with excess.

Mimi, as she came to be known, was not a name given but one earned through many occurrences of lake house cookie baking, mud pie creation, lake baths, “sweets drawer” raiding, bed jumping, and generalized Mimi sanctioned misbehaving by children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. These were among the things she truly loved along with orange slices and the occasional Cheez-It. She taught us more than we can recount about how to love and live. She didn’t know it, but some of us learned to never make anyone eat Salmon patties or Brussel sprouts. A few of us know why. There were a lot of conversations that ended with “oh brother” and a laugh that told us it didn’t matter how silly, ridiculous, or flat out wrong we were. She still loved us unconditionally.  Mimi’s love was learned from Jesus and passed to us, so although she will be greatly missed, we know the reunion one sweet day will be worth the wait!

Friends, family, fellow book club members, victims of her Rook prowess, and countless others we may never know were all made better by having you in our lives.  We ALL love you, Mimi.

Eleanor was a member of Dallas Bay Church. Memorial donations may be made in Eleanor’s honor to Dallas Bay Church or to a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, October 17, at Heritage Funeral Home East Brainerd Chapel with Dr. Ken Duggan officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 PM at Heritage Funeral Home 7454 E. Brainerd Rd.

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