Remembering Sue Turner

SUE TURNER

Suzanne "Sue" Turner, LSU Museum of Art Advisory Board Emeritus, died at 93.

Turner was an alumna of LSU, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 1947. She met her late husband, Bert, at LSU. He founded Turner Industries, an industrial construction company, in Baton Rouge. They had five children—Suzanne Turner, Robert Turner, Mary Margaret "Moo" Svendson, Thomas Turner and John Turner—all of whom followed their parents’ lead as museum volunteers, donors, and board members.

Turner had an extensive record of memberships and activities associated with the arts and historical preservation. Turner received numerous awards in return for her generous sharing of time and philanthropy. In addition to the LSU Foundation Board of Directors, she served on the Boards of the Louisiana State Museum and the Louisiana Museum Foundation, was a trustee for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and was an Advisory Board Emeritus for the LSU Museum of Art.

Sue and Bert gave their first gift to the LSU Museum of Art in 1986. Their generosity also helped facilitate the move from the LSU Memorial Tower to the current location in downtown Baton Rouge at the Shaw Center for the Arts in 2005. The 2,000-square-foot Bert and Sue Turner Gallery with sweeping views of Lafayette Park and the Mississippi River is a testament to their LSU MOA legacy.

LSU Museum of Art expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of philanthropist Sue Turner. Her impact and generosity to LSU MOA and our community will always be remembered and treasured. Today and always, we honor her legacy and are grateful for her vision, philanthropic work, and her commitment to the arts. The museum sends our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies to her loved ones during this time.

IMAGE (above): Suzanne "Sue" Turner

The Bert and Sue Turner Gallery at LSU MOA is a testament to their philanthropic legacy and generosity to provide this exhibition and education space.

THANK YOU

Supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Support also provided by Art Bridges.