Don Turnipseed

Don Martin Turnipseed, 73, passed away on April 1, 2020 at his home in the Highpoint Community of Louisville after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Don was born on January 6, 1947 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and grew up in Choctaw County. He graduated from Ackerman High School and attended Mississippi State University. During his college years, he worked as a lifeguard at Choctaw Lake, where he met the love of his life, Carol Jolley. They were married in 1969. Don was an electrician, having worked for many years with the Spartus Corporation and Georgia Pacific in Louisville. Being known by his family and friends as a master handyman who could build or repair just about anything, Don also had a passion for hunting, passing the hours on his property in the Choctaw County Panhandle, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. Don was preceded in death by his father, John Ira Turnipseed; his mother, Helen Simon Turnipseed; his grandparents, John and Henrietta (Jenny) Turnipseed and Martin and Carey Simon; and a stepson, James Lee Smyth. Don is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol Jolley Turnipseed; two beloved children, Criss Martin Turnipseed (Leigh) and Dacia Carol Turnipseed; and a beloved sister, Bobbye Turnipseed Taylor. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ryan Lee Smyth, Marleigh Faith Turnipseed, Jon Martin Turnipseed, and Keatan Noel Turnipseed; six nephews, Teague Burchfield (Robyn), Shea Taylor (Mandy), Keith Cravens, Mark Cravens (Reva), Michael Cravens, and Jack Carlisle; and two nieces, Jodie Burchfield, and Kimberly Carlisle Coghlan (Craig). Don is also survived by a number of loving great and great-great-nieces and nephews and many cousins. The family wishes to acknowledge the many kind expressions of sympathy and prayers. There will be a private family memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends may remember Don with a memorial to West Union Presbyterian Church (19005 Highway 15 North, Louisville, MS 39339) or to a charity of your choice. “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” 2 Timothy 4:17