Jean Margaret Oakley Turner was born September 15, 1932, in Blackstone, VA. to Jacob Oakley and Mary Dobbins Oakley. Jean was the only girl and the youngest of three children. She grew up with her brothers, Jacob and Norman in VA. She was preceded in death at an early age by both of her parents and was raised by her aunt, Roberta Johnson, and uncle Tucker Dobbins.
Jean was educated in the Virginia public schools, where she graduated in 1950, afterwards she attended college for a year before meeting Donald Turner. She married Donald in 1953, her husband served in the U.S. Army, which allowed Jean to move and live in Tacoma. Washington and finally move to Denver, Colorado. She was blessed with four wonderful children, Donna, Melvin, Annette and Teara. Jean raised her children in Denver. Colorado.
Jean, spent 29 years with Saint Jospeh Hospital, retiring in 1994. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, including her longtime companion, Henry Gordon.
Jean professed Christ at an early age and was a long-time faithful member of Spottswood AME Zion Church, where she served as a Deaconess and Missionary.
Jean took great pride in caring for her yard and gardens. She was an avid sports fan, of all sports. She kept up with current events by listening to talk radio and enjoyed discussing them with her friends and family. She had many friends and family that she had long conversations with on the telephone talking about, the ex –president and the Bronco’s. We joked that you had better have your Kool-aide or water handy before you called her.
Her children and grandchildren remember family dinners with ‘Granny’s famous buttered rolls, rice pudding and frosted pound cake. She was a great cook and cherished her family dinners and time with her children. grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was considered as a second mom to many.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Mary Oakley, Brothers Jacob Oakley, Jr and Norman Oakley, her aunt Roberta Johnson, Uncle Tucker Dobbins, son Teara Aycock and companion Henry Gordon.
Deaconess Jean Margaret Turner departed this life to be with our Lord and Savior on October 23, 2023. Those left to cherish her memories are her children: daughters Donna J. Turner and Annette M. Turner, both from Denver, CO, Melvin (Anita) Turner, Los Angeles, CA. Grandchildren Christoper Turner, Nashia Turner, Osswan Whitley, Ruben Turner and Marcus Turner. Great grands, Jordan, and Christen Turner, Moussa Diakite, Myeisha Mack, a host of other family and friends.
Order of Service
Friday, November 10, 2023 – 11:00 AM
Spottswood A.M.E. Zion Church
3301 Milwaukee Street – Denver, CO 80205
Pastor Dr. Tony Henderson
“I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.” Zechariah 8:8
Processional God IS
Musical Selection Regina Grace,
Director of Music Spottswood AME Zion Church,
Comfort from the Scripture Rev. Persons
Old Testament
New Testament –
Prayer of Solace Minister
Musical Selection
Acknowledgement, Condolences
Obituary (Read Silently) Amazing Grace –
Violinist Olivia Shaw
Tributes
Tribute to our mother Melvin Turner
Remarks – please limit to 2 mins each
Selection
Eulogy Dr. Tony D. Henderson, Pastor
Closing Prayer, Benediction, Committal
Recessional
Reception to follow in followship hall
Private Cremation provided by
The Natural Funeral
W. Chester Street, Lafayette, Co 80026
God looked around His garden,
He found an empty space
He then looked down upon His earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He chooses only the best.
The Family.
