Celebration Of Life
L urner T ouise
Ho us to n
Alpha:
February 2, 1925
Omega:
August 13, 2016
Sunday, August 21, 2016 Visitation 1:30 - 2:30 PM Funeral Service - 2:30 PM
Bethany United Methodist Church 4533 Mendez St. New Orleans, LA 70126 Reverend Hadley R. Edwards, Officiant
Life Reflections…
LOUISE HOUSTON TURNER left
this earthly realm on August 13, 2016 in Webster, Texas. Louise joined her husband of 66 years, Robert Turner, Jr., who has been patiently waiting for her since his departure on March 23, 2016. Louise was born on February 2, 1925 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Robert Houston, Sr. (deceased) and Edith Taylor Houston (deceased). She was preceded in death by her 4 sisters and 3 brothers, Robert Houston Jr., Thelma Houston Johnson (Louis), Hazel Houston Carter (Demouil), Ida Houston Stephens (Shelly, Sr.), Herbert (Sonny Man) Houston (Ruby), Edith (Clacky) Houston Jackson (Ishmel), Charles (Sonny Boy) Houston and her granddaughter Kristin Hutchinson. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Phillip R. Turner, Sr. (spouse-Rita LaBostrie Turner), Kamala K. Turner, Tonya Turner Winfield (spouse David M. Winfield) and Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr. (spouse - Roslyn Morgan Turner); Sisters-in-law, Nancy Houston and Alice Houston; 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Louise attended Tennessee State University where she was voted “Best Dressed Woman” on campus. She later returned to Baton Rouge and matriculated at Southern University earning a Bachelors of Arts degree in Home Economics. She married Robert in 1949 and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. There she taught Home Economics in the Orleans Parish School System at Booker T. Washington High School. She and Robert decided to suspend her career and start their family. Becoming a dynamic wife, mother, entrepreneur, PTA president(s) at her children's schools and political activist as a member of (COUP), were her passions. She was also instrumental in the election and re-election of Edwin Edwards as governor of Louisiana. She returned to work at the Jefferson Parish Health Unit as a Home Health Supervisor for 16 years. Louise was awarded many certificates and citations for her endless service to the community. When she and Robert retired she continued to stay active in her church (Peck United Methodist Church) and traveled extensively to see son-in-law Dave Winfield play baseball. She would accompany Robert to many sporting events as they were original season ticket holders to the New Orleans Saints and later to the New Orleans Pelicans. Louise loved to dance and enjoyed attending the city’s high echelon social club functions during Mardi Gras season and other events throughout the year. Mrs. Turner (as her husband Robert so lovingly called her), will be remembered for her fun loving spirit, open arms and her protocol and etiquette for doing things on a grand scale for the enjoyment of all. Momma Turner (or Weezie) always had a passion for living to her fullest and had the utmost zest for life. Her culinary expertise was legendary. She had the likes of Chef Wolfgang Puck and her “adopted children,” Cookie & Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, LaTanya & Samuel L. Jackson, Pauletta & Denzel Washington, looking forward to her gastronomical delights. In the words of Momma, “My children and grandchildren will carry on the values that have been instilled in them throughout the years. Times may have changed but values have not… proper protocol!” CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Who’s Who Among High School Students, McKinley High School, Baton Rouge, La., Member of Peck United Methodist Church – Council on Ministries, Chairperson of Christian United and Interreligious Concerns, 103rd Anniversary of Peck United Methodist Church, Status & Role of Women, Vice President of Trustee Board, former member and/or coordinator of Student Affairs at Hume Child Development Center, P.T.O. President/Chairman at the following schools: Bienville Elementary School, Phillips Elementary School, Phillips Junior High, Gregory Junior High, John McDonogh Senior High, Kennedy Senior High, Community Organization for Urban Politics, Independent Women’s Organization (I.W.O.), Boy Scouts of America, Ladies Auxiliary-Kansas City Southern Railroad, Board of DirectorsEastover Property Owner’s Association, Inc., Public Investors Insurance Company of Louisiana, Coordinator of Campaign for Gubernatorial Election of Edwin Edwards and re-election (1971-1991), past President of Southern University Alumni Federation-New Orleans Chapter, Life Member of Southern University Alumni Federation, Louisiana Public Health Association, State of Louisiana Insurance Commission, Urban League Member and NAACP Member.
Order Of Service Celebrating the Life of Louise Houston Turner Musical Prelude ………………………………………………………………….. Warren Williams, Sr., Minister of Music Processional / Gathering / Greeting ……….………………………………………………………………. Clergy & Family Congregational Hymn Prayer Scripture Readings: Old Testament Reading ………………........ Job 19:25-27 ………………………. Vincent Luckett New Testament Reading …………………… Proverbs 10:25-31 …………. Jessica Hutchinson Affirmation of Faith – Apostles’ Creed Music ……………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………“I Won’t Complain” Acknowledgements Obituary ………….................................................................................................. Tonya Turner Winfield Expressions …………………………………………………………………………………… Philip Turner, Sr., Kamala Turner, Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr., Dr. Tracy Louise Turner-Crooms Music ………………..……………………………………..………………………………………………………………“Precious Lord” Eulogy ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Reverend Hadley R. Edwards Pastor, The Spirit Church UMC Closing Hymn ……………..…………………………………..…………………………………… “His Eye is on The Sparrow” Parting View Recessional Benediction at Final Resting Place Favorite Scripture: Psalms 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the path of righteousness for His name’s sake.
L O U I S E
HOUSTON TURNER
A Virtuous Woman A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.� Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:10, 25-31
An angel lived among us, A gift from God above. She showered us with kindness And shared with us her love. She cherished every moment With the man who was her life; Walking hand in hand together, Facing life with all its strife. She loved her children dearly, Each one a different way, Nestled close within her heart. Though, now, she’s far away. She’s gone to live with Jesus. But, she’s here with us, today, Smiling down on every one of us, And telling us she’s O.K.
Active Pallbearers Phillip R. Turner, Sr. Robert J. Turner Vincent Luckett Dr. Rod J. Turner, Jr.
Phillip R. Turner, Jr. David M. Winfield, II Beaujon Turner Ron Williams
Honorary Pallbearers Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr. David M. Winfield Herbert “Palou� Houston
With Gratitude & Love The family acknowledges with sincere thanks your many expressions of sympathy in the loss of our dear mother.
Arrangements D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery & Mausoleum 4000 Norman Mayer Ave New Orleans, Louisiana 70122
Repast Bethany United Methodist Church Program Design: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com