John Turner was born on July 29, 1943 in Anguilla, MS. He was the oldest of two sons of Walter and Annie Turner. The racial disturbance of the 1960’s prompted his mother to send him to St. Louis on a one-way bus ticket to care for his sick uncle. His uncle passed on his way to St. Louis. He was informed by his mother that he was not to return to Mississippi for fear of his life. At the age of twenty-one, he was in an unfamiliar city and unemployed. He walked from Easton to Lindell and Grand to seek employment at St. Louis University, where he was hired at the bookstore. On March 7, 1954 , he was united in Holy Matrimony to Melkery (Kee) Fields and one daughter came to bless this union. John retired from Dial Corporation in July, 2006 after 35 years of loyal service. There he was a Shop Steward and Line Leader. He was also a retiree of the Teamster’s Local 618 of St. Louis, MO. John was a dedicated church member of Greater St. Paul MBC where he served the Lord with his service on the Usher Board and a Bible Study attendee. On Dec. 24, 2014, at the age of 71, John departed this earthly body to go home to be with the Lord. He leaves to cherish his memories; (2) daughters -Karenina Yokley (Louis) and Lakeshia Newburn ; (2) grand-daughters– Tequia Nicholl Turner & Natasha Newburn and a host of loving close friends extended family. He was proceeded in death by his parents -Walter and Annie Turner , his wife– Melkery Turner, and his brother—Walter Turner.

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