Obituary

Marjorie Caroline Turner Collins

Marjorie passed away peacefully with her family by her side at her home at the University Retirement Community on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.

Marjorie was born in Riverside, raised on the family ranch by her parents Edna McMillan and T.J. Jackson, surrounded by extended family. Marjorie’s early accomplishments included 4-H activities in cooking, sewing and sheep raising. She earned her county’s Top All Star Honors.

She graduated from Polytechnic High School in 1942 and went on to UC Santa Barbara to become a school teacher. She particularly enjoyed teaching history, culture and art. She began her teaching in Inglewood and restarted her career at North Davis Elementary after moving in 1964. She taught fourth and sixth grade until her retirement in 1985.

She was an active member of the PEO Sisterhood. She is fondly remembered by her students and co-workers to this day, and inspired three of her granddaughters to become teachers themselves.

At the end of World War II, Marjorie was invited on a blind date by a mutual friend where she met her future husband George O. Turner.

They married in 1949 and honeymooned at the historic Mission Inn in Riverside.

They started their family of four sons in Long Beach until George was transferred to Davis. They built their family home in El Macero where Marj was a gracious hostess to many and shared her talented culinary skills.

As a family, they enjoyed many outdoor activities including backpacking and camping in the Sierra Nevada. There was also frequent cross-country road adventures. They loved spending time at their cabin

“Idyll Ours” at Donner Lake. Marj had numerous passions and hobbies. She was a world traveler, always wanting to learn and explore the local culture around the globe. Her travel companions included husbands, beloved sister Pepper, daughter-in-law Diane, grandchildren and lifelong friends. Later in life she facilitated numerous family reunions all over the country.

She excelled in multiple forms of arts and crafts. Sewing, needlework and painting were just a few of her many talents. When it came to gardening, Marj had a green thumb. She grew a variety of beautiful flowers and was especially proud of her and George’s awardwinning camellias.

In 1996, George passed away. In 2000, she moved to University Retirement Community where she was an active member, participating in many social activities and committees. Art shows and bridge were among her favorites. She loved meeting and making new friends.

This led to meeting her second husband, Hal Collins. They were married in 2003. Marj and Hal enjoyed life at URC as well as attending regional cultural events and travel. Marj expressed her gratefulness that she had two wonderful marriages and embraced her blended family.

Marjorie was active in the Davis Community Church from 1964 until her passing. She served as an elder, a youth leader and as a longtime participant in the Bell Choir. She was also an active member of Friendship Mariners and Presbyterian Women.

Marjorie was predeceased by husbands George Turner and Hal Collins, son Mike Turner, sister Pepper Patterson, and brother Don Jackson. She is survived by sons