Mrs. Bessie Lee Herron Turner was born in Oakland, Mississippi on July 30, 1924, and passed away surrounded by her loving family on November 17, 2021, at the age of 97 in her home. She was proceeded in death by her parents Robert Frank Sr. and Mattie Mae Herron, her husband, Wesley Wayne Turner after 58 years of marriage, and 14 brothers and sisters, 6 brothers- and sisters-in-law, 5 nephews and nieces, and 2 grandsons. Mrs. Turner is survived by her 8 children: Marge Charles) Champion, Irene (Rutherford) Wooten, Katherine (Eugene) Turner, Jean Drew (s.o. Dewey Powell), Linda (Osby) Tolbert, Mae (Larry)White, Billy Wayne (Katie) Turner, and Broderick Turner; and 17 grandchildren and, 3 brothers- and 6 sisters-in-law, 23 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren, 37 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and relatives across the USA.

Much beloved, and blessed with an incredible memory, Mrs. Turner was a colorful story teller of her family's history. Throughout her life, she was active and in service to her family, community, and church. She was an enterprising home manager, homemaker, a wonderful cook, seamstress, and counselor. At age 16, she was a teacher's assistant sister's and later she was active in her children's schools, Spring Hill Elementary School and Woodstock High School where she served as president of the PTA.  She worked in voter registration drives, and along with her husband, acted as an advocate for African American farmers, and hosts for physicians to  start the first Rossville, TN Health Clinic.

From a young age, she was active in Olive Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland, MS and after moving
to Memphis with her family, she was active in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and later in Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church until her passing.

The viewing for Mrs. Turner will be held Saturday, November 27th from 10-11:55 a.m. followed by funeral services starting at 12:00 noon, at Parkway Gardens United Presbyterian Church, 1005 E Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38116.

Burial will take place on Monday, November 29th 2:00 p.m., at West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125.

In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made "In the Memory of
Mrs. Bessie H. Turner" to the Mid-South Food Bank, 3865 S Perkins Road,
Memphis, TN 38118.

Jefferson Mortuary, Inc. has charge:

7788 Church Street

Millington, TN 38053.

901-872-8800 Office

901-872-4722 Fax

jeffersonmortuary@yahoo.com