Marilyn Kay Turner, a Brady resident and former Brownwood resident remembered for her independence, love of family and outdoor interests, died Friday, October 16, 2026, in Brownwood. She was 74.
Turner was born August 17, 1952, in Ft. Hood, Texas, to Wendell Dawson McEntire and Earnestine Laverne (Ashcraft) McEntire. She grew up in Temple and graduated from Temple High School.
A life shaped by family and work
Turner worked for Home Depot for several years and advanced to become a front-end manager. Her family described her as a good, strong-willed and independent woman.
She loved her children and grandchildren. Her interests included spending time outdoors, fishing, visiting garage sales, antiquing, and collecting rooster and apple decorations. Turner was also a breast cancer survivor and a melanoma survivor.
Family and service information
Turner had lived in Brady since 2017 after moving there from Brownwood. She is survived by her husband, Willie Zapata of Brady; sons Michael Turner and his significant other, Margurita, and Mark Turner and his wife, Karen, of Bronte; brother Bryan Claiborne and his wife, Elena, of Georgia; and sisters Pamela Turner and her husband, Delan Sr., of Belton, and Karen Claiborne and her husband, Terry Watson, of Odessa.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan Turner and Savannah Turner, as well as several nieces, nephews and many friends. Her parents preceded her in death.
Private services for Turner will be held at a later date. Friends may view her and sign her online memorial guest book through Leatherwood Memorial Chapels.