Herbert Leroy Turner Sr.

The family of Father Herbert Leroy Turner Sr. in consideration of the current health crisis facing our world, nation, state and local community, has decided to hold a private 50 people or less, family only, funeral service for their loved one with private interment immediately following. While the Turner family would love to be surrounded by your presence, they acknowledge the health risks to family, church members, friends, and particularly to those who are most vulnerable to this disease, the elderly and those with chronic  health conditions. What the family needs most at this time are your prayers and understanding. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

Father Herbert Leroy Turner Sr. was 93, and departed this life Sunday May 3, 2020 in Marion County. He was the father of Michael Turner and Lisa Turner.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at the Jackson & McGill Memorial Chapel on Friday May 8, 2020 at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest in the Devotion Gardens Cemetery, Mullins. 

~ OBITUARY~
Mr. Herbert L. Turner, Sr., son of the late Henry Turner and Cleo Thomas, was born on April 8, 1927 in Marion, South Carolina. He was raised from a young age onward by his father and his father's second wife who was known as "Miss Fodie." He received his Omega Chapter induction on Sunday, May 3, 2020.

Herbert graduated from the Marion County Training School in 1944.  He enrolled in Allen University,in Columbia, S. C. but, was drafted after his freshman year.  He served two years in the U.S. Army in the 25th Infantry during WWII.  After fulfilling his military duty, he returned to Allen University and married his college sweetheart, Dorothy Mae Pressley, in 1948.  He graduated from Allen with a degree in Elementary Education in 1956 and returned to Marion to begin a new life with his bride and education degree. After the birth of their first child, he enrolled in the Graduate School of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC and completed his Master's of Education in 1962. 

Herbert L. Turner, Sr. established a strong record as a leader in the education, civic and church communities of his hometown of Marion, S.C. He served as a teacher and Principal in Marion and Florence public schools prior to integration in Gibbes Elementary School (Sellers) and Florence District 2 (Pamplico) respectively. After the order to integrate schools was enacted, he taught AP Math at South Florence High School.  He returned to Marion County School District and remained at Johnakin Junior High until he retired after teaching nearly 40 years. He was a photographer for many years -- even building his own photography studio -- and captured many of the precious moments of black life in the Pee Dee area as one of the first local African American professional photographers.  He was just as committed to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. After pledging in college, he became a Charter Member of Beta Tau Chapter and was recognized for his service as Basileus of Beta Tau and Mu Sigma Chapters, Man of the Year, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Year Service Awards.   He lists one of his favorite memories, "Crossing the burning sands and returning (after serving in the military) to my alma mater to become Basileus of Mu Sigma Chapter where I was initiated."

He worked in Bethel United Methodist as a Lay Leader, Trustee, and United Methodist Men.  He had faith but, as a mathematician, firmly believed in applying good business principles and Methodist guidelines  for optimal operation of the church.  He was often found poring over his UMC manual in a quest to become a more effective leader.  Another affiliation supremely important to him was his membership in Mt. Moriah Lodge #18 Prince Hall Free Masons for over 50 years and a life membership in VFW where he served as a Charter Member and Past Commander.  In his retirement years, he was always seen wearing a WWII Veteran, Omega Psi Phi or Mason baseball cap as he frequented his favorite "coffee and tall tales" spots around town.  His last and favorite perch was Fred's Barbershop on Main Street holding court and playing checkers with Dr. "Bubba" James, and his younger fraternal brothers. 

He leaves to cherish precious memories: Son, Michael K. Turner (Katherine) of Greenwood, SC, Daughter, Lisa P. Turner of Mullins, S.C.,  Grandson, Herbert L. Turner, III of Westminster, Maryland, Granddaughter, Stephanie Turner-Wilson (Chrishone) of Cheney, Washington,  Grandson, Dr. Chase Stanford Turner (Dr. Ledia Turner) of Harrisburg, PA, Granddaughter, Hillary J. Turner  "Jade" (Yendoukoa) of Baltimore, Maryland, Great-Granddaughter, Giselle A. Turner of Harrisburg PA, Great-Granddaughter,  Jordyn Lamboni of Baltimore, MD, Kiyah Wilson of Cheney, Washington, one Sister-in-law, Gloria Pressley of Hampton, VA and a host of loving nieces, nephews, fraternity brothers, Masonic brothers, kindred veterans, former students, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of seventy years, Dorothy P. Turner; Son, Herbert L. Turner, Jr. of Marion, SC; Daughter-in-law, Gloria Turner (Herbert) of Marion, SC; Brother, Henry Turner of New Rochelle, NY; Sisters Helene Nesbitt and Mildred Bostick both of New York, NY; and Great-Grandson, Jayden Lamboni of Baltimore, MD.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Herbert Leroy Turner Sr., please visit our floral store.