Carlene Bales Turpin

Carlene Bales Turpin, of Homer, Georgia, passed away on October 28, 2026, in Homer at the age of 70. She was born on May 20, 1956, in Commerce, Georgia.

Mrs. Turpin was a homemaker, a role through which she gave care and attention to those around her throughout her life. She was also a member of Nails Creek Baptist Church.

Family was at the heart of Carlene’s life. She is survived by her sons, Matthew Turpin, and his wife Stephanie, and Michael Turpin; her daughter, Michelle Knupp, and her husband Bill; her brother, Jamie Bales; and her sister, Martha Lou Stroup. She also leaves behind a cherished line of grandchildren, Courtney, Hunter, Holden, Hannah, Nathan, Carla, Morgan, and a beloved group of great-grandchildren, Caitlin, J.W., Emily, Walker, McKinley, Bristol, Waylon, Neveah, Jase, Homer, Laynee, and Kaden. Also surviving is her best friend, Charlotte Boyer, whose friendship held a special place in her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thurston “Cowboy” Turpin, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage, as well as by her father, James Carlton Bales, and her mother, Martha Fincannon Ferguson.

Those who knew Carlene will remember a woman whose life was closely centered on home and family, and whose legacy continues through the generations she loved.

Visitation will be held on October 30, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Ivie Funeral Home, 1053 South Elm Street, Commerce, Georgia 30529.