        If I am allowed to say only one thing about Dr. Turk, then I will say she is the ultimate professional woman I have ever known in the world.
        I first met Dr. Turk in the summer of 1995 in Beijing, China. I came to know her through my former Chinese college advisor, Professor Xue Mouhong, who befriended Dr. Turk and several of her colleagues in the University of South Carolina during one of his many academic stints in the U.S. colleges in the 1990s.
        We met more after I came to pursue my doctoral studies at the J School of USC. She never directly taught me any class but the doctoral program was her brainchild so we got to see her a lot. I had been long proud of my English handwriting, but one day after I saw a handwritten note by Dr. Turk, I was stunned by its beauty. Dr. Turk told me that, though she grew up in a farm, her mother made sure that she writes well.
        Dr. Turk always seemed energetic, decisive and hardworking. She led a busy and successful professional life rivaled by few in her field.  


Judy and i shared many responsibilities on the Commissions.  She was an incredible writer contributing to our final edited products which were distributed globally.  She was very passionate about public relations and was willing to assist in any way.  This is truly a loss for our public relations community.  Bonita Neff

“Dean Turk” inspired me to start earning my MA in Journalism & Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina at age 49, to get ready for university teaching. I graduated in 1996 and was inducted into the PUblic Relations Society of America’s College of Fellows a few months later, with Judy hanging my medallion. I’ve always been grateful for her mentoring, encouragement, and mostly for her friendship,  which led to 20+ years as an adjunct professor, one of my most fulfilling life experiences.

Truly the passing of a legend in our profession. Sage advisor, teacher and mentor to generations of communicators.  Blessed repose, eternal memory Judy 

OBITUARY

Judy VanSlyke Turk

February 23, 1948 – May 2, 2021

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