Racine – Mrs. Mary L. Turner (nee: Johnson) was born on January 15, 1942 in Blue Mountain, MS to Autry Johnson and Annie D. (nee: Knox) Johnson. She was united in marriage to Ivora Turner on November 23, 1959. Mrs. Turner was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, not only to her immediate family but her love extended to everyone she met. Mary had a passion for caring for many children, sewing, and cooking. She also enjoyed being a member of the Golden Girls Birthday Club. Mary was a devoted member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where she was an active member of The Pastor’s Helpers, The Faith Circle, The Kitchen Committee, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and willing to serve wherever needed. She was known for her spiritual encouragement and as a special confidant. Her humble spirit and abounding faith was infectious to those around her. Even through her illness she never wavered as she continued to smile and give God praise. She is survived by children, Alice Turner of Chatsworth, CA, Derek Turner of Inglewood, CA, Kevin Turner, Vicki (Courtney) Turner-Barlow, Bradly Turner all of Racine; six grandchildren, Taeli Shea Turner, Chelsea, Christian, and Camille Barlow, Bradley and Bryson Turner; five sisters, Mattie J. (E.J.) Venson, Jessie Elliott, Annie R. (Harry) Miller, Mae Alice (Curtis) King all of Blue Mountain, MS and Lovonia Elliott of New Albany, MS; four brothers, Haze Johnson of Evanston, IL, Ralph (Nancy) Johnson of Glenwood, IL, Dewey (Teresa) Johnson of Racine, WI and Herman (Betty) Johnson of Blue Mountain, MS; brothers-in-law, Henry, Othella, William Turner and Joseph (Jennifer) Ticer all of Racine; sisters-in-law, Emma Turner and Grace Turner both of Racine. Mary will be greatly missed by her special nieces, Rose Hooker and family, Dorothy Green and family, Pam Venson, Evelyn Siddell, LaReana Nicole Johnson, Debbie Turner and Tiffany Rainer; special nephews, Marcus Johnson and Steve Turner; god grandchildren, Tyrell and Tyshell Townsend, Isaiah Taylor, James “Duke” Trice III, Desiree Bruce, Tiaprella Boyd, Brittany Johnson and Fitzel Ross and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ivora; two brothers, Autry D., and Horace Johnson; and sister, Virginia Spike. Joint Homegoing services for Mr. and Mrs. Turner will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church with Bishop L.L. Kirby officiating. Interment will take place Monday at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation and viewing will begin in the church at 11:30 a.m.
Todd Bruce says
Turner Family,
Our prayers are with you all. Mr and Mrs Turner are very special people. I was glad I was able to talk with Mrs. Turner when I was home. We never said “good bye”, we just said we would “talk later”, I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Your parents will be missed!