Homegoing Celebration of
Robert Turner, Jr. Alpha:
August 6, 1923
Thursday, March 31, 2016 Visitation 1:00 - 3:00 PM Funeral Service - 3:00 PM
First Evangelist Missionary Baptist Church 1801 Willow St. New Orleans, LA 70113 Rev. Reginald A. Landry, Officiant
Omega:
March 23, 2016
Life Reflections‌
ROBERT TURNER, JR. was born on August 6, 1923, to the late Bertha B. Johnson Turner and Robert Turner, Sr. He was a devoted husband for 66 years and is survived by his wife, Louise Houston Turner and their 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). His two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. He is the grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, and is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Robert is a native of Port Hudson, Louisiana and resided in New Orleans for over 50 years, making Houston, Texas his home for the last 10 years. After matriculating at Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, he served 3 years in the military, rising from the rank of private to 1st Sergeant. He saw action overseas during World War II in Europe as well as the Pacific. After a honorable discharge from the military, he began working as a Locomotive Fireman with the Kansas City Southern Railroad for 20 years. In 1964 after the civil rights bill was passed, he along with two other African-American railroad employees filed a class action lawsuit against the railroad for equal pay and promotions and WON. He received retroactive payment as well as the right to be promoted to the position of engineer, where he worked for 24 years before retiring in 1989. While working for the railroad, he served as the local representative for his Lodge (Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers). He attended conventions in Houston, Chicago, Atlanta and New Orleans. He also was elected to the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge. After being promoted to Engineer, his lodge integrated the all white lodge (UTI), and he was selected as a delegate to that convention in Houston, Texas. Robert was the only African-American representative out of 800 delegates and was asked to speak to the other delegates, which he did.
As an avid sports fan, especially of his New Orleans Saints football team, he and Mrs. Turner held season tickets from the very beginning; as well as season tickets to the New Orleans Jazz when they were in town. His passion for travel and sports took him all over the U.S. to watch his son-in-law play professional baseball and Robert wound up in the locker room during the celebration of the 1994 World Series win. Escorting his beautiful wife to many of the most exclusive, high society balls and events during the carnival season was a highlight for the couple. Although Robert was a man of few words, when he spoke, like E. F. Hutton‌ everybody listened! Most important to him was his love of the Lord and First Evangelist Missionary Baptist Church. He continued a legacy of worship and service started by his family almost a century ago. His mother, Bertha B. Turner, was on the Usher Board and Home Mission. His sister, Lillian Turner Luckett, was a member for over 50 years and sang in the choir and was considered the song bird of First Evangelist. His brother, Rev. Ebert Turner was a member of the ministerial staff. Even upon Robert's move to Houston, he still tithed with his home church. CIVIC INVOLVEMENT: Member of Pontchartrain Kiwanis Club and past Vice-President, Chairman of Senior Citizens Bingo, Thanksgiving and Christmas Basket Committee for the Needy, including receiving the Kiwanian of The Year Award in Recognition of Outstanding Service to the community. Times-Picayune Doll and Toy Fund, NAACP, Urban League, Boy Scouts of America, American Heart Association. Robert will be remembered as an anchor in the storms of life. His unwavering faith and solid leadership were a constant source of strength for his family, friends and community. His loving and kind spirit will be sadly missed by all who loved and admired him.
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.
Order of Service Celebrating the Life of Robert Turner, Jr.
Favorite Scripture ???
Musical Prelude …………………………………………………………. Christopher R. Vaughn, Sr., Minister of Music Processional ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Clergy & Family Devotional
Old Testament Reading ……………………........ Job 19:25-27 ………………………… Deacon Reginald Reed, Sr. New Testament Reading ………………………….. John 14:1-7 …………………………… Deacon Marcel Williams Meter - Prayer Prayer Chant – I Love The Lord “His Life and Legacy” ......................................................................................... Tonya Turner Winfield Solo / Selection ……………………………. “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” .............. Christopher R. Vaughn, Sr. Condolences from the Church Family Reflection ……………..…………………………………..……………………………………………….. Phillip Turner, Sr. Tribute & Poem ………………….. Kamala K. Turner, Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr., Dr. Tracy Louise Turner Crooms Solo / Selection …………………………………. “I Won’t Complain” ....................... Christopher R. Vaughn, Sr. Recognition of Clergy Remarks (2 Minutes Please) Eulogy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Rev. Reginald A. Landry Parting View Benediction / Recessional
R O B E R T
TURNER, JR.
Thank You! Thank you for your endless love, That will help me through each day And thank you for the memories That will never fade away. You’re the man I loved And was proud to be your wife, And every day in some small way, I will celebrate your life. As long as memories last, You will stay in my heart. Your Loving Wife, Louise “Mrs. Turner”
What Makes A Dad And Grandfather
God Took The Strength Of A Mountain, The Majesty Of A Tree, The Warmth Of A Summer Sun, The Calm Of A Quiet Sea, The Generous Soul Of Nature, The Comforting Arm Of Night, The Wisdom Of The Ages, The Power Of The Eagle's Flight, The Joy Of A Morning In Spring, The Faith Of A Mustard Seed, The Patience Of Eternity, The Depth Of A Family Need, Then God Combined These Qualities, When There Was Nothing More To Add, He Knew His Masterpiece Was Complete, And So, He Called It ‌.. 'DAD!' With Love, Your Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren
Active Pallbearers Phillip R. Turner, Sr. Robert J. Turner Phillip R. Turner, Jr. Vincent Luckett Ron Williams Beaujon Turner Joseph K. Byrd
Honorary Pallbearers Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr. David M. Winfield Rod J. Turner, Jr. David M. Winfield, II Herbert “Palou� Houston
With Gratitude & Love The family acknowledges with sincere thanks your many expressions of sympathy in the loss of our husband and father.
Arrangements D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home 3933 Washington Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery & Mausoleum 4000 Norman Mayer Ave Kenner, Louisiana 70122
Repast Dillard University Kearny West Dining Program Design: Our Celebrations of Life (504) 338-8753 or (504) 453-2186