Josephine (Gilliam) Turner

Ms. Josephine Turner, age 96 of Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest, Thursday, March 18, 2021, at Sanford Health and Rehabilitation Center, Sanford, NC.

Josephine Gilliam Turner was born to Joseph C. and Mattie Marsh Gilliam on February 22, 1925. She grew up in the Tempting Community of Sanford, NC surrounded by brothers, sisters, and cousins. Josephine attended Lee County Training School (later renamed W.B. Wicker).

In May of 1944 Josephine married William Doyle Turner, and to this union three sons were born. The couple also welcomed into their home those who were in need of a temporary home. They mentored a lot of young people, and Josephine babysat for a lot of her cousins' children. What a joy it was when the grandchildren started arriving! Josephine lived to see great great grandchildren.

The family worshiped together at Fair Promise AME Zion Church. In her younger years, Josephine sang with the Choir. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. 

Josephine enjoyed cooking tasty meals and hosting birthday celebrations and special holiday meals. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. Happiness was a Sunday afternoon spent visiting extended family, taking a ride in rural areas, and stopping for ice-cream on the way home. Josephine enjoyed the annual Homecoming Reunion in the Tempting Community. She also honored her husband's roots in the Cumnock community by attending Homecoming at St. Paul AME Zion Church.

When sickness took a toil on Josephine's body, it was apparent to those around her which chapters in her life were dear to her heart. She reminisced about her beloved Doyle and their sons. She reflected on her career as an Operating Room Technician at Lee County Hospital. She spoke fondly of growing up with her siblings and playing with cousins. She enjoyed having meaningful conversations with her grandchildren.

On March 18, 2021 after fighting a good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith, Josephine Gilliam Turner was called from labor to rest.

Josephine leaves a legacy of faith in God and unconditional love to her three sons, William D. Turner of Greensboro, NC, Thurman L. Turner and wife, Eula of Garner, NC, Atty. S. Anthony Turner of Raleigh, NC, two grandchildren Tamara T. Carter (Kevin) of Clinton, MD and Corey S. Turner (Samira) of Atlanta, GA, a goddaughter, Rhonda F. Crumpton and a special daughter Gaynell H. McIver and husband, Fred, all of Sanford, NC., thirteen great grandchildren, Justin J. Turner, (who spent a lot of time with her in his formative years), Nicole Copeland (Jonathan), Stephanie Porter (Cheaz), Marcus, Ashley, Jason, Gabriel, Kevin, Jr, Jennifer,  Elisabeth and Sarah Carter, Maia and Nia Turner; four great-great grandchildren, King and Aniyah Copeland, Ocean Porter, and Nathalie Turner, two brothers, Joseph Gilliam, Jr. of Adelphi, MD and Everette Gilliam of Clinton, MD, a sister Romena Gilliam of Sanford, NC, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a grandson William D. Turner III (Tres), three sisters, Irene White, Clarateen Nelson, and Lessie Duncan, and a brother Fletcher Gilliam.



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