Deacon Edward Wilson Turner

Edward Wilson Turner, 82, passed into Glory on May 31, 2024.

Edward was born on March 3, 1942 in Dallas, TX, to his proud parents Mr. Macy Turner and Mrs. Lillian Clark Turner. He grew up surrounded by a big loving family that included his younger brother Billy Wayne along with his sisters Erma, Dorothy Dean, Shirley Glen, Macy Lee, and Rose Marie.

Soon after graduating from James Madison High School on June 2, 1961, Edward left his family home and traveled with his Aunt Claudia Dixon (Aunt Bae) to Los Angeles, California. He moved into her little house out back and at her insistence, he began attending Los Angeles City College where he soon became a star football player. Not long after he started school, he had the pleasure of meeting a young lady who was working on her own goals. He was intrigued by her big smile and sharp wit. They shared a dance at a college event. Unfortunately, he soon learned that she was only 17 years old! He asked her when she would be turning 18 and he then refused to contact her again until after her birthday! When Jean Beatrice Matthews turned 18 years old, their formal courtship began. They were married on August 22, 1965 at Miracle Baptist Church. The ceremony was officiated by the lead Pastor Reverend Bobo and was followed by a beautiful reception at Jean's grandmother's home in Los Angeles, CA.

To this beautiful union were born two daughters. Delynn Michele Turner of Fontana in 1965 and Stacie Dean Turner of Fontana in 1968. The little family lived in a modest apartment only a block away from the LA Memorial Coliseum. But these two hard working young people wanted something better. They had dreams and they boldly moved their young family into a new home in the suburb of Covina in 1971. Though they were the first black family to move into the neighborhood, they were delighted to find a welcoming  and loving community. Edward and Jean were no strangers to hard work and they built a strong foundation for their family based on the work ethic passed to them from their parents.

Edward began his career as a dock worker. However, he soon found himself, to be an unlikely Civil Rights leader in the local trucking industry. He boldly fought and defied discrimination to train for and earn his Class A license while supporting other black and brown drivers to do the same. Edward was a proud member of the Teamsters Union for over 40 years. He drove trucks locally and hauled freight across the country. He earned a reputation as a dependable and honorable driver and because of this reputation, he was never out of work.

Edward was best known for his great kindness and compassion. His love for his family was immeasurable. He loved Jean with all of his heart. He cared for her tenderly when her health began to fail, never leaving her side. He was holding her hand when she transitioned into Glory in 2017. He showered both of his daughters with that great love as they grew into women and once he had grandchildren it went to a whole new level. He and his grandson Kaibric DeRae had an extraordinary relationship. Kaibric spent a great deal of time with his grandfather as he grew and they traveled together when he became a young man. His granddaughter Kilah Denise was his absolute pride and joy. He always talked about how talented and gifted she was to anyone who would listen. He loved spending time with her and they were known for their impromptu shopping adventures together. Finally, there was his "baby girl" Laila Monique whom he nicknamed "Mo Mo." She lived in his heart and in his smile. He would actually crawl around on the floor with her when she was a baby and he was her rock and comfort whenever she needed him. They were partners in crime. He was blessed to see her grow up and graduate high school. His three precious grandchildren were the diamonds in his crown.

Edward was devoted to his beloved sisters and to all of his wonderful nieces and nephews. He had a separate, special and unique relationship with each and every one of them. He frequently traveled back to Texas to spend quality time with everyone. He spoke to his sisters almost daily.

Edward and Jean were faithful members of New Gethsemane/New Direction Church of God in Christ under the leadership of their beloved pastor Bishop Raymond E. Watts. The family joined  in 1984 and soon began to build a strong village among God's family. Edward faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon.  He loved working closely with his brothers on the Deacon Board and served diligently until God called him home.

Edward is survived by Delynn Turner (daughter) of Fontana, Stacie Turner (daughter) of Fontana,   Kaibric DeRae Turner (grandson), Kilah Denise Turner (granddaughter), Laila Monique Turner (granddaughter), Shirley Gibson (sister) of Dallas, TX, Macy Robinson (sister), of Dallas, TX,  Rose Thomas  (sister) of Abilene, TX, Sonya Robinson Coleman (niece) of Grand Prairie, TX, Billy Robinson Jr. (nephew),  Cheryl Robinson (niece),  Gerald Gibson (nephew),  Anthony Smith (nephew), Cobby Smith (nephew),  Denise Lowe (niece),  Michael Lowe (nephew),  Rev. Dr. Kellie C. Turner (beloved cousin) of NY,  and Addie Smith (beloved cousin) of Stockton, CA as well as a multitude of great nieces, great nephews and countless cousins.

Edward is preceded in death by the love of his life,  Jean Beatrice Turner - spouse, Macy Turner -(father), Lillian Clark Turner - (mother),  Billy Wayne Turner (brother), Erma Turner (sister), Dorothy Dean Lowe (sister), and Angela Robinson (beloved niece).

The service for Edward Turner will be held on Friday, June 21 at 10:00 am at New Direction COGIC, Upland CA
Visitation: Thursday, June 20 from 4-6 pm at Mt. Sinai COGIC, Pomona, CA
Burial: Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA