Sally Garrett Turner

Sally Garrett Turner, 69, of Columbia, S.C., fought cancer to a draw on October 11, 2021. Sally was born in Fountain Inn, S.C. on July 12, 1952, the second child of the late Senator Charles G. and Martha J. Garrett.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and teacher, who touched the lives of everyone around her. She was predeceased by her elder sister, Lucy Beckham. She is survived by her younger brother, C. Glenn Garrett; children, Jon Turner and M. Elizabeth Turner (Ian Massey); grandchildren, Livy and Theodore Massey; “adopted son,” Matthew Vane; niece and nephew, Susan Antonelli (Michael) and Bill Beckham (Katie); six great nieces and nephews; and loyal dog, Baxter.

Sally graduated from Presbyterian College and spent much of her career as a special education teacher in Lexington-Richland District 5, where she became a caring, maternal figure to hundreds of students from troubled backgrounds. Later, she worked as an expert consultant in the field of special education.

Sally was a free spirit and generous provider to her family, as well as to any friend, co-worker, or neighbor in need. She enjoyed few things more than watching a Clemson football game on her porch, surrounded by her friends, flowers, bird-feeders, and wind chimes.

The family will hold a private graveside service. A memorial service, conducted by the Rev. Randy Harling, will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 15, at Presbyterian Fellowship of Fountain Inn, 417 South Main Street, Fountain Inn, SC. The family will receive friends following the service in the church’s pavilion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Haitian Children’s Project at Summerville Baptist Church, 417 Central Ave., Summerville SC, 29483.

The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Stephenson, oncologist at Prisma Health, in Greenville, S.C., for his exemplary care and encouragement throughout her cancer battle; and to Angela Williams, who so lovingly cared for Sally after her hospitalizations.