John M. Turner, Jr.

John was born on November 27, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio to John Murphy Turner, Sr. and Elizabeth (Welch) Turner. He was the third of four children. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Ethel Turner and Patricia Ann Turner Anthony; and a brother, Phoyzell Turner.

He received his early education from St. Simon’s Day School. He was a graduate of Central High School and attended the University of Cincinnati.

John was a faithful member of St. Simon of Cyrene Episcopal Church before transferring to Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he actively served until his health declined.

John was united in marriage to Bessie Dodson. To this union was born, Tonia Elizabeth Turner. He later married Mary Valire Smith, in 1970, who has been his life’s companion for 53 years.

His occupation was in the insurance industry. John always had an entrepreneurial calling, so after working as an agent with Nationwide Insurance Company, he became an owner of an Independent Agency. John was also called to community service. His lifelong interest and work in civil rights began in 1992, with the establishment of the Christian Improvement Association, that later became an affiliate of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Operation Bread Basket. He was blessed to be the only lay person among many clergy, who include, but not limited to, Reverend Otis Moss, Jr., Reverend B.W. Smith, Reverend Clayton Waller, Reverend James W. Jones, Reverend H.L. Harvey and Reverend Fred Shuttles-worth. Their purpose was to involve churches in non-violent, direct action, civil rights and human rights, and establish a moral base for social, economic, political and educational endeavors. And by strategic negotiations with such companies as Procter & Gamble and General Electric, they began acquiring management positions for African Americans in Cincinnati. They were referred to as “The Original Valley Warriors”.

John later served in the Village of Woodlawn, as a Clerk Treasurer for one year. He then had successive elections to the Woodlawn Council, beginning in 2004. After becoming a member of Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church to support his wife’s ministry, he immersed himself in his own, the Prison Ministry which he established. One might say he was an unwavering defender of justice!

John was a kind, considerate and creative man. Whatever he imagined, he would strive to accomplish and he possessed the gift of garnering the support of others. John was always ready for an adventure, especially involving travel; and he never met a stranger! He cared deeply about others and was devoted to enhancing lives. His love for God and church were evident. John cherished his family; they were his delight, especially his grand and great-grandchildren!

Most of his life’s story resides in the hearts and minds of those John encountered, loved and showed kindness to, along his journey. It is theirs to remember! However, if any should be forgotten in this realm, all will be remembered in the heavenly realm!

“Also, now behold, my witness is in heaven and my record is on high.”  (Job 16:19)

For a while, John leaves these to cherish his memory: wife, Reverend Mary V. Turner; daughter, Tonia E. Childress Starr; grandchildren, Glenn (Toshia) Childress, Mia Childress Dunford, Tia Starr and Tiarra (Ezequiel) Bustamante; great-grandchildren, Kailani Childress, Naomi Childress, Farrah Dunford, London, Maya and Giovanni Bustamante, Armani and Ashanti Starr; sister-in-law, Glenda Y. Sroufe; brothers-in-law, Timothy Smith, Jr. (deceased), Dobbie Stringer Smith, Dr. Curtis N. (Naomi) Smith, Herbert L. Smith, Reverend Elbert E. (Reva) Matthews and Frederick E. (Rheba) Smith; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

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