Dear Mama...
Thank you! Thank you for all the sacrifices you made. Thanks for protecting me, clothing me, feeding me, but most importantly, thank you for loving me... I’m very sad, Mama. Who will fry chicken for me in the middle of the night? Who will make my favorite Kool-Aid for me? Who will I talk to when I leave the gym to tell about my day? I know that you are in a better place now. No more breathing treatments, no more coughing, no more wheezing, no more meds, no more achy joints, and no more pain.
How can I forget all the funny sayings you said, the laughing, me getting on your nerves because I’m singing too loud in the house with VOM, and the fussing. I pray that I made you proud of me. They say I’m spoiled, Mama. Well, that’s your fault. When we meet again, I will get you caught up on your favorite TV shows, “Have and Have Nots” and “If Loving You Is Wrong”. Ok, I know you are resting now so I dare not keep you up. I Love you, Mama. Rest well… Your Baby Boy,
Keith
Dear Mom...
Thank you! Thank you for being loving, supportive, firm and most importantly of all, being my mom. You’ve been the best example of motherhood anyone could ask for. Each and every day you worked hard to provide spiritual, financial, emotional, and moral support. I’m going to miss you asking...”Vonne, What Is It?” every day when I call to check on you. I’ll miss seeing you every day, as I leave for work and return home at the end of each day. Not only am I missing you, but Dylan as well. Your “Scooter Bug” is missing being able to climb into bed with Nana. He is so accustomed to saying “Nana, we’re here!” each day when he returns home from school. Even though it hurts that you’re no longer here, I’m glad you are no longer suffering. The pain is gone, the restless nights are over, you are finally resting. We love you my dear sweet Mama, but God loves you more. Until we meet again, keep resting Mama. Love,
Vonne and Dylan
Cecelia
R E M E M B E R I N G
Our beloved, Ms. Cecelia Ann Harwell Turks was born on October 6, 1952, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Mr. Hummie Harwell and Mrs. Lizzie Mae Harwell. She was born the fifth of five children, two of whom (Charlene Mayweather and Willie Frank Harwell) preceded her in death. On Wednesday, May 3, 2017, Cecelia closed her eyes on this side but opened them to behold the presence of the Lord, forever. She professed hope in Christ at an early age and later united her membership with Melrose Missionary Baptist Church. Cecelia was a faithful choir member and enjoyed fellowshipping and supporting the church until her health prevented her from continuing to do so. She was known for her excellent culinary skills with cooking turnip greens and macaroni and cheese! Cecelia was educated in the Memphis City School System and graduated from Lester High School. To all who knew her, she was the life of the party without even trying! She had a unique way with words and she meant what she said and said what she meant! You never had to wonder about what she was thinking because she would call it like she thought it! Lose or win, she was a die-hard Memphis Grizzlies fan! She was an employee of Shelby County Government in the Environmental Services Department where she was a committed and dependable employee until her retirement. She was a loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. She leaves to cherish her memory and life: three children, Cannister M. Turks, LaSabra J. Epps, Keith M. Turks, all of Memphis, Tennessee; one grandson, Dylan P. Epps; two siblings, Pastor Albert Harwell (Annie), Sr. and Bernice Harwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
The Celebration of Life 11:00 a.m.
Reverend Garry Fair, Officiant
Pastor of Wilson Chapel A.M.E. Church Prelude. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Musicians Processional. . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Cecelia Ann Turks Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Voices of Melrose Old Testament Scripture. . . . . . . . . Elder Nicholas Harwell New Testament Gospel Christian Church
New Testament Scripture. . . . . . . .Elder Robert Harwell, Jr. New Testament Gospel Christian Church
Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reverend Angela W. Fair Wilson Chapel A. M. E. Church
Musical Selection. . . . . . Darrel Petties & Strength in Praise Personal Reflections (3 Minutes, Please) Friend - Ms. Doris Hines Church Member - Ms. Denise Bradley Family - Mr. Christopher Harwell, Sr. Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. LaTarsha Holmes Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reverend Garry Fair Pastor, Wilson Chapel A.M.E. Church
Silent Reading of the Obituary
Resolutions & Acknowledgments. . . . . . . .Mrs. Trina Jones Musical Selection. . . . . . Darrel Petties & Strength in Praise Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Darrel Petties Mount Pisgah Baptist Church
Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . The Family of Cecelia Ann Turks
yPrivate Viewing by The Children y
My Sister My Friend My Help When I think of you, the word HELP always comes in my spirit because that is what you were to me. You were: Y Helpful - Whatever obstacles came my way, you were the helping hand that guided me. Y Encouraging - When life storms raged, it was your encouraging words that kept me going. Y Loving - I loved you and I know that you loved me - That’s the way real sisters are. Y Precious - You were and still are my precious little sister and I will always love you.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:6) Your Sister,
Bernice
My Sister...
A sister is a gift to the heart, A friend to the spirit, and A golden thread to the meaning of life... My golden thread is fully mended together now in heaven. We always played church when we were children. I was the preacher and you were my first member of the church. When you got tired and angry you would quit the church, but would always come back. I loved you and I know that you loved me, unconditionally. Even though I was older, you always bossed me around and I allowed you to do just that. I’m looking forward to seeing my sister-boss friend, again. I know that we will always be together because you are my golden thread in spirit and our spirits are eternally united. You can’t come back to me, but I know I will come to you in our new home. Words from your favorite song “We Still Have Joy”, weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalms 30:5b). Your Brother,
Son
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (Psalm 90:1-2, KJV) 1
Acknowledgment
The family of Ms. Cecelia Turks is sincerely grateful and humbled by your many thoughtful expressions of love and outpouring concern shown during our bereavement. Your prayers, words of encouragement, visits and every act of kindness have blessed and brought us comfort. May God bless you as you have certainly been a blessing to our family.
Artaveus Driver Julius Knowles
Active Pallbearers Marvin Harwell Christopher Harwell, Sr.
Albert Harwell, Jr. Minister Tavarus Wesson
Flower Bearers Ushers, Family and Friends
Interment
Forest Hill Cemetery 1661 Elvis Presley Boulevard s Memphis, TN 38106
Memorial Repast
Melrose Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall (Immediately Following the Interment)
Arrangements Entrusted To M.J. Edwards Funeral Home 4445 Stage Road s Memphis, Tennessee 38128