Mary “Selma” (Turner) Wiesenberg, 71, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away on March 20, 2026. She was born on January 24, 1955, in Ensor, KY to Focient Adolphus Turner, Jr. and Elizabeth Evans Turner Embry.
Selma was a 1973 graduate of Trinity High School in Whitesville, KY. She later earned a Associate in Arts degree in Fine Arts from Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL. Her early career included work as an accounting and payroll specialist for several companies. In time, she embraced her lifelong love of art and founded her own graphic design company, Wiesenberg Design Studio, where her talent flourished. Even after partially retiring, she continued to take on special projects for longtime clients who valued her eye for detail and her creative gift.
Selma was a remarkable artist, known especially for her award-winning black-and-white photography. She also had a deep love for jewelry design and created stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces treasured by many. She was deeply passionate about genealogy and traced her own family lineage back to the 1600s and her husband’s family to the 1800s; an extraordinary labor of love that reflected her dedication to family.
Family meant everything to Selma, and her greatest joy came from simply being together, sharing conversation, laughter, and quiet moments of connection. Her tender signature words, “Love you most,” will forever echo in the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Her siblings, children, and grandchildren were her world, and she showed up for all of them with unwavering devotion. Whether cheering from the sidelines at school or events, attending every graduation and award ceremony, or offering a compassionate ear whenever someone needed support, Selma was a constant source of love, comfort, and encouragement. Her presence made every moment brighter, and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, strength, and limitless affection.
Selma also loved traveling and exploring the world with her husband, Arnold. Together they journeyed across the United States and Europe, visiting family, discovering new places, and taking in the beauty of historic sites. Some of their favorite adventures included visiting courthouses and churches throughout many states as they searched for genealogy records—blending Selma’s love of family history with their shared spirit of curiosity and connection.
For more than a decade, Selma was the heart and soul of the Owensboro Art Guild, serving as Secretary, Treasurer, and President of the Board of Directors. She later served on the Board of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, where she was recognized for her steady leadership, insight, and community commitment. A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Selma embraced her heritage with the same dedication and grace she brought to all areas of her life. She joyfully volunteered to teach art classes to children of all ages, sharing both her talent and her gentle spirit. Selma will be missed deeply, not only for her work, but for her grace, kindness, and presence.
Selma is survived by her husband of 44 years, Arnold D. Wiesenberg; her daughters Rebekah (Shawn) Feely and Elizabeth “Liz” (Richard) Butts; and her stepchildren Nancy Dloughy, Linda Griffin, David Wiesenberg, and Amy (Tim) Wiesenberg-Carter.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Hannah Aguilar, Devin Theisen, Makayla Theisen, Alivia Theisen, Caroline Grace Feely, Sara (Paul) Miskell, Allyson Funk, and her great-grandchildren Liam Miskell, Lance Miskell, and Bennit Wiley; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and a large extended family.
Selma was preceded in death by her granddaughter Kristi Dloughy (2025) and grandson Grant Butts (2023), her brother-in-law Paul Payne (2024), and sister-in-law Elvie Turner (2022).
She is further survived by her siblings Moretta (Kenny) Bosley, Suzann “Sue” (Earl) Hodskins, Focient “Butch” (Linda) Turner, III, Michael “Mike” (Kathy) Turner, David Turner, Karen Payne, and Jeff Turner.
Selma will be remembered for her artistic brilliance, her love of learning, her dedication to community, and the fierce love she carried for her family.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Haley-McGinnis Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 3:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fanconi Cancer Foundation, in honor of Allyson Funk — https://fanconi.org and/ or Owensboro Art Guild, P.O. Box 743, Owensboro, KY 42302
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mary “Selma” (Turner) Wiesenberg. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Wiesenberg and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.