Colonel Herbert Maurice Turner

On the day of July 17, 1933, a baby boy was born to the Late Reverend James Tuner and Isabel Chew. He entered as the baby of the family, an amazing brood of the late four brothers, all who have preceded him in death, John R. Turner, James W. Turner Jr., Harry E. Turner, Arthur H. Turner and three sisters, Frances T. Forsythe, Isabel (Peggy) Ashby and Elizabeth T. Jackson. Upon his arrival in the GREAT DEPRESSION, the story goes one sibling said, "Oh no! Not another mouth to feed!" His father immediately admonished this and said, "if God wanted this child to be born and placed in this family, no one had the right to say anything! Remembering this story repeatedly being told each time "Herbie visited" his relatives permanently placed in one's mind how one child "makes a difference." And he did. This was no ordinary soul that God sent to the Planet. He literally hit the ground running. He overcame the childhood handicap of stuttering. For anyone who ever spoke to him would never know for he had an astounding and eloquent voice which resonated especially from the pulpit. As he grew into a man, his physical feat of being an avid runner and pole vaulted in track and field is where he excelled in his youth in Trenton, New Jersey. Educationally, he received his High School Diploma at Trenton Central High School in Trenton, New Jersey. His B.S. degree obtained at Trenton State Teachers College, Master of Divinity from Interdenominational Theologian Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia, Student Pastor 1st Congregational Church in Atlanta, Georgia, Masters Degree in Counseling Long Island University, New York; Post graduate work in Administration at Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN. His life journey took him into the military where being a soldier in the Armed Forces was his lot, dedicating himself for 27 years. When asked how he knew to become a Chaplain, he would answer, " I ran from it for as long as I could until I couldn't." He was called by God after He got his attention and from then on he definitely took it very seriously. He was stationed in Germany. He was a soldier of3 tours of duty-Korean War and twice in Vietnam. He traveled through Europe and Asia. He defended the flag while many did not appreciate the tireless effort he and others put forth in carrying out his duties expected of him and then some for he went far above and beyond the call of duty. He had even been Military Police. His Church base was United Church of Christ, which was only a steppingstone, for he served God's people everywhere no matter what affiliation. He respected GOD and HIS creation and brought the WORD to whomever. Colonel served Active Duty U.S. Army, N.J. National Guard; TN. National Guard. He was Chaplain - US Army Vietnam, Germany, Korea. United States and Alvin C. York VA Medical Center, Murfreesboro, TN. He pastored 1st Congregational Church in Savannah Georgia. He did Civil Service as a Counselor for Workman Compensation in Newark, N.J. Organizationally, he was appointed by Mayor Joe Jackson to the Community Youth Task Force/Rutherford Youth Action League which he founded and was President. Here he focused on At Risk Youth. He empowered them against drugs and violence. He belonged to Veterans of Foreign War, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He was the former President of the Ministerial Alliance Association. He worked tirelessly on the Homeless Committee Task Force in Murfreesboro, TN; Board Member of the American Red Cross; Rutherford County and Board member of Middle TN Regional Blood Bank. His awards are many. They included the Jerry Anderson Hero's Humanitarian Award. His known medals include Bronze Star; Republic of Vietnam, Four Combat Medal Stars, Air Medal, and The Army Commendation Medal. For the past 24 years he has called Starkville, MS his home and served the community as owner of New Lite Furniture Outlet-comfortable and customized furniture to those in need. He was seen in many a pulpit at various churches in the area continuing to contribute his pastoral experience. Again, he threw himself into the community being seen in the local schools with publications of books written by area students. He knew the Mayor, Sheriff and Police Department Chiefs as well as court judges, always contributing possible solutions to difficult situations. His greatest love was that of family, especially for his children, James Turner "Critt," his daughters Benita Whitenburg and Jeanette C. Pierre. His grandchildren Chanel and Lauren Turner, Mekayla and Jordan Whitenburg, Jessiah and DeKotah Johnson Pierre and his great granddaughter Kaia, all fondly calling him Granddaddy "CHOP CHOP." He leaves to mourn his beloved wife of 34 years, Dr. JoAnne Turner; his sister- in -law, Wilhelmina. Nieces Karen Turner, Jacqueline Harrison, Katherine Glover and Kimberly Scott, nephews Dr. Jimmie Turner and Walter; his brother-in -laws Dr. George Johnson, Jr. (Marie and Candace) and John B. Eubanks, Jr. and a host of grand nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Tributes

Colonel Herbert Maurice Turner

July 17, 1933 - July 1, 2022