06/08/2026
Ella Mae Turner, 86, of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away on May 19, 2026. She was born on August 30, 1939, in Center, Texas, to Mary L. and Raney Brooks.
Ella was the middle child of seven children and lived a life marked by faith, service, and love for her family and community. Ella was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was married to the love of her life, the late Robert L. Turner, for 61 years. Together, they were blessed with two daughters, Karen Triplett and Linda Murphy, son-in-law, Jerry Triplett and three grandsons, Jeremy Triplett, Jerod Triplett and Jayvyn Titus.
A faithful member of Scharbauer Street Church of Christ and Roxanna Street Church of Christ, Ella lived her Christian faith daily. She was devoted to serving others through Ladies Lectureships, teaching ladies’ Bible classes, and participating in benevolence and ladies’ outreach ministries. She also visited hospitals and assisted living facilities, offering comfort and encouragement to those in need.
Ella was deeply involved in the Hobbs community. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP and served as Hobbs Branch President, State of New Mexico 2nd Vice President, President of the Southwest Region Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, President of the Lovely Ladies Federated, Arts Club and leader of the Karzettes Girls Club. She was also appointed by the Governor as Chairwoman of the Board of Nursing and Commissioner for the Housing Authority Region VI. The Mayor appointed her to the Planning Board for the City of Hobbs.
Ella’s interest in nursing began in childhood after experiencing an illness that inspired her compassion for others. Encouraged by her husband, Robert, she enrolled in the first nursing program at New Mexico Junior College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science and became a Registered Nurse. She later continued her education at the University of the Southwest, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science, and also received a Nursing Home Administrator license. Her career at Lea Regional Hospital reflected her dedication and leadership as she advanced from floor nurse to supervisor, labor and delivery director, and director of acute patient care. She was also a certified instructor, teaching continuing education courses, and lectured to Hobbs High School career students and New Mexico Junior College nursing students. After retiring, she was recruited to serve as Director of Nursing Services at Lea County Correctional Facility.
Ella Mae Turner will be remembered for her legacy of faith, service, and dedication to her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.”
Preceding her in death, is her husband, Robert Turner, her parents, four sisters, Jannie Brooks, Eula Evans, Anna Moore, Eliza Singleton, one brother, Willie Davis, nieces and grand nieces.
Survivors are:
Brother, JC Boykins
Daughters, grandsons, nephews, nieces, cousins and other loved ones and friends.
A memorial service was held Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Scharbauer Street Church of Christ in Hobbs, New Mexico.
