Martiele Turner Chastain, M.D.

Martiele Turner Chastain, M.D., passed peacefully away at home on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at 102 years old. Born Clara Martiele Turner on August 11, 1913 in Valdosta to Egbert Mann Turner and Sannie Elizabeth Blackburn Turner, she graduated with honors from the Georgia State Womans College at Valdosta in 1934. She obtained her medical degree from Georgia Medical College in 1942, where she graduated with Jeff Austin, M.D., of Valdosta and her future husband, the late Philip Chastain, M.D., of Thomasville. After completing their residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, she and her husband practiced pediatric medicine together for many years in Coral Gables, FL, and the Baptist Hospital of Miami.

For decades, she was a force of energy leading the 3 & 4 year old Sunday School class and the Vacation Bible School at Christ Journey Church in Coral Gables. Her favorite hobby was deep sea fishing on her beloved boats. From the 1950's through the 1990's, she shared her love for fishing with her family and guests. When they were young, her nephews, Jack and Bill Sineath and the late Jim Sineath, and her niece, Martiele Sineath Schroder, spent their summers experiencing wonderful fishing adventures. Dr. Turner enjoyed many trips to Disney World with her foster son, Gary Hollingsworth, from the first year it opened through her 102nd birthday. Full of vim, vigor and vitality, she lived her life to the fullest.

A private graveside service will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery on Tuesday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Journey Church, Department Preschool Ministry, 624 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134; or to First United Methodist Youth Fund, PO Box 1306, Valdosta, GA 31603.




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602