Reta Jane Turner, 89, of Sherman, TX, a woman of faith, strength, and independence, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 16, 2024.
Born on March 6, 1934 in Matthews, MO, to Richard Bradford Pearcy and Geneva Eulala Phillips, Reta was the eldest of four sisters – Marty, Sherma and Pat, and a brother – Richard (Dickey Lynn). She graduated from Bonham High School in 1951, and quickly found her calling as a nurse, graduating from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Dallas in 1954. She went to work as an RN at Methodist Hospital, followed by Children’s Medical Center, and was the Head Nurse at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. She returned to college to receive her BSN from The University of Texas at Arlington, followed by her master’s degree in nursing administration. She became a Hospital Administrator, until she retired (the first time) in 2004. She held various roles in hospitals when she came out of retirement, and ultimately became a Consultant for ASD Management, where she oversaw over half a dozen surgical centers. She retired (for the third and final time) at the age of 86.
Reta married Harvey Windal Horne on July 2, 1955 while in nursing school. They had four boys – Harvey (Bill) Windal Jr., Richard Michael, Bryan Douglas and David Jeffrey. Harvey passed away in 1965.
Reta was proud of her life, the successes that she had, the challenges she overcame, and the friends and family that filled her days. She loved to travel and was able to go to many places throughout the world. She made a lasting impression wherever she went, and leaves a legacy of joyful memories. When Reta was 72, she was asked if she would or could change anything about her life. Her response was that she felt completely happy with her life and all the decisions that she had made and how everything worked out.
Reta is remembered by her surviving children, Bill and David; sister Pat White; daughters-in-law Vicki, Tracy and Martha; brothers-in-law Robert (Bob) White and William (Bill) White; grandchildren Heidi Scheibmeir (husband Phillip), Haley Horne, Lacey Horne-Larsen (husband Tanner), Hunter Horne, Riley Horne, and Cameron Horne; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
We will gather to honor Reta’s remarkable life journey at Tapp Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, TX, on Friday February 23, 2024 at 11 AM, with interment to follow at Union Cemetery. Reverend John Lowrie of First Baptist Church of Terrell will officiate the service, celebrating Reta’s life and legacy.
