of Harrison, AR
August 27, 1946 - March 1, 2026
Patricia Kaye Turney, age 79, of Harrison, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at Hillcrest Home. Patty was born in Lawton, Oklahoma to Ernest and Beatrice Baker on August 27, 1946. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Baker.
She graduated from Conway High School and attended Arkansas State Teacher's College where she earned a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Later, she returned to the University of Central Arkansas to complete a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education (post accident). Patty taught Kindergarten until her retirement. She last taught at Mount Vernon/Enola, where she received Teacher of the Year.
Patty is survived by her daughter, Lara Anne Fuller Humphries, who she loved with all her heart. She loved cats and had Glamour Puss and Missy Prissy. She enjoyed Camaros- her first cars, gardening, reading, and spending time as Nana to her 3 grandchildren. Patty was a Christian who loved others and left a legacy of teaching Kindergarten children all they needed to know to go through life. One extraordinary thing to know about Patty is that she was a survivor. She overcame an automobile accident in which it took 7 years of rehabilitation to learn to walk, talk, and live again. Also, Patty survived breast cancer 3 times during her life. In her last 3 years she had a stroke and dementia, leaving her unable to eat and talk. Throughout her life she modeled perseverance, strength, faith, and love.
She survives by her loving husband, Bill Turney; her loving daughter, Lara Fuller Humphries and husband Todd; and her grandchildren, Hannah Claire Humphries, Addison Humphries, and Harrison Humphries; her siblings, Judy Johnson, Bill Baker (Pearly), and Dick Baker (Carolyn). Patty had a very special bond with her sister, Judy. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
A private celebration of life will take place to scatter her ashes per her wishes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation or to your local elementary school.