Dixie Carol Turnbow

Dixie Carol Harris Turnbow, 87, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, in San Angelo, TX. Born on January 19,1938 in Clay County, TX.

She lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and deep devotion to her family and faith.

Dixie was the daughter of Zeke and Celia Wayne Harris. She moved with her family to San Angelo in 1942. She graduated from San Angelo Lake View High School before continuing her education at San Angelo College, now known as Angelo State University.

Dixie was Lake View’s first Homecoming Queen in her Senior year, a testament to her vibrant spirit, charm, and warm presence. Dixie was dedicated to helping organize her high school reunions for many years. She loved getting together with her classmates.

Her early years were shaped by significant challenges. She survived polio and endured the devastating 1953 San Angelo tornado that destroyed her family home. These experiences forged a strength of spirit that remained with her throughout her life.

She married H.L. Turnbow on December 26, 1958, in San Angelo. Soon after their marriage, they moved to Ozona, Pecos, and Moab, Utah for seismograph work. She learned to cook anything H.L. hunted. She would also make her clothes out of old clothes while living in their trailer. They formed close friendships with those they traveled with for work, while depending on each other.

Dixie balanced her role as a dedicated housewife and a skilled tax preparer with grace and diligence.

A woman with many talents and passions, Dixie had an extraordinary love for animals. Over the years, she loved raising Yorkshire terriers, terrapin turtles, doves, Barbado sheep, cats and many other animals. She was very artistic and painted animals on almost anything.

She loved reading, animals, being outdoors, and gardening.

Her commitment to public service was evident in her role as an organizer to establish San Angelo Friends of the Library. She also spent many hours volunteering in the San Angelo Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.

Dixie was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in San Angelo for many years.

Dixie was a caring and loving soul, cherished by her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, H.L. Turnbow, her parents, father and mother-in-law, Eldon and Frances Turnbow and a granddaughter, Shelby Turnbow.

She is survived by her two sons and their families, Landy Turnbow and wife, Margaret of Forney, TX, Leland Turnbow and wife, Theresa of San Angelo, TX; grandchildren, Landa Pustejovsky and husband, Brad, Mitch Daniels, Camille Daniels, Shay Turnbow, Hunter Turnbow and wife, Stephanie, Henry Leighton Turnbow and fiancé, Sara Dickerson; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank ALL the wonderful staff at Baptist Memorial Sagecrest for their care, compassion and love they gave Dixie and our family over the last few months. We cannot express enough the excellent care and love we received. They really are more than caretakers, they are family. Also, thank you to Concho Hearts Hospice for the great and compassionate care. We are truly blessed!!

The love and valuable lessons she imparted will continue to guide us while we mourn her loss. We also celebrate her life and thank God for the time we had with her.

A private burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Baptist Memorial Sagecrest, or a favorite charity.