Johnnie Flake “J.J.” Turnage, 70

September 23, 1955 – January 28, 2026

Johnnie Flake “J.J.” Turnage, age 70, resident of Middleton, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services honoring the life of Mrs. Turnage will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home, with Bro. Jimmy Howell and Bro. Joe Spencer officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service, all in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Tiplersville Cemetery.

Mrs. Turnage was born on September 23, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee, to the late James Murry Flake and Ione Waldon Flake. She was a 1973 graduate of West Side High School and a member of Williamsburg Baptist Church. She later became a valued employee of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, where she served for over thirteen years.

She was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Tommy, for forty years. Always with a drink in hand, Mrs. Turnage was the life of the party—known for being loud, honest, and unapologetically herself. She loved being the center of attention and was well known as a true spitfire.

She adored her fur babies, Mitzi, Carlee Sue, and Tucker, and they were rarely far from her side. Mrs. Turnage enjoyed camping, listening to her music, and spending time with those she loved, but nothing mattered more to her than her family. She was always there for them and stood firmly behind her sons, no matter the cause.

Mrs. Johnnie is survived by her beloved husband, Tommy; one son, Brad Flake (Amber) of Guntown; one sister, Dianne Matthews (Danny) of Ashland; five much-adored grandchildren, Celess Sandlin (Anthony), Maddie and Dylan Flake, and Sawyer and Wyatt Swords; one great-grandchild, Colton Roberson; two stepdaughters, Tommie Jo Turnage and Ashley Turnage; one niece, Kim Inman; one nephew, Chris Matthews; one great-niece, Courtney Thompson; two great-nephews, Dilan and Jacob Matthews; her “boy” friend, Travis Inman; and her three fur babies whom she truly loved, Mitzi, Carlee Sue, and Tucker.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers for Mrs. Johnnie are Brad and Dylan Flake, Travis Inman, Chris Matthews, Danny Matthews, Dilan Matthews, and Anthony Sandlin.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share your memories and condolences with the Turnage family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Thursday
February 5, 2026
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Visitation

Friday
February 6, 2026
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral

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Funeral Service

Friday
February 6, 2026
1:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral