Ruth Major Turner
April 24, 1933 - September 27, 2017
- Share:
Ruth Major Turner
April 24, 1933 - September 27, 2017
Obituary
Ruth Major Turner was born on April 24, 1933 in Charleston, South Carolina, to Solomon and Alma Wilson Major. Of the ten children born to this couple, Ruth was the eighth child born into this strong family of the South. Her father, Reverend Solomon Major, of St. Jude AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, had a strong work ethic, which he passed onto his children. Ruth believed in her father’s and mother’s teachings; working hard all of her life for her family and those that she cared for and loved. She met and married Robert Edward Turner – a Marine stationed near Charleston, South Carolina. Thus, began a life of military community and culture. This union was blessed with four children – Elaine Turner Wilkins, Anaheim, California, Ronald Edward Turner (Gwen) Lancaster, California, Regina Elizabeth Turner ( deceased) and Richard Earl Turner (Lisa) of Lake Forest, California.
Ruth Major Turner worked sporadically but consistently over 30 years as a federal employee in various positions, finally retiring from El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, where she had been employed as a Tailor. She was not only creative with material, thread, and yarn, but she was an excellent cook with savory foods and baked goods. She enjoyed her garden and produced award winning plants, flowers, vegetables and fruits. Her life was full and satisfying, helping and touching countless other lives along the way. She was a true helper. She was an active member of Christ Our Redeemer African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Irvine, California, until her health declined.
This remarkable daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, retired federal employee, great-grandmother, and friend; leaves to celebrate her life; four (4) siblings: Julius (Ann), Edna, Rubye, and Judy; three (3) children: Elaine Wilkins, Ronald (Gwen), and Richard (Lisa); Six (6) grandchildren: Marcus (Joanne), Travis (Jenene), Matthew, Stephen (Jeanell), Quincy, and Kianna; six (6) great-grandchildren; Madison, Jayden, Ali’i, Nanipua, Peninamoana, and Zakai; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
2 responses to Ruth Major Turner
Gwen Turner says:
October 3, 2017
From Day 1 that I met “Mom”, I admired her poise and grace. My mother passed away, three (3) days before I graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training. On my wedding day, to her older son (Ronald), I waited alone in a room of her house, before we left for the church. I’d tried (unsuccessfully) to zip my dress; and was sad, near tears when Mom came in to check on me. She quickly wrapped her arms around me, shared some motherly advice, zipped my dress, and said something funny to put a smile on my face before rushing off to take care of some things before we left for the church. I tried to emulate Mom’s poise, grace, and wisdom; and will miss her, so very much. Sleep on now, Mom; take your rest.
Ron Turner says:
October 4, 2017
When I think of my mom, I think of one of the toughest person’s I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. She was a very loving person but as the saying goes “mama don’t take no mess”. She kept us in line growing up and instilled a sense of responsibility in each one of us. I remember the threats (promises?) that when I washed dishes that if she found any item not totally clean she would make sure I washed every dish under the counter. Whoa! Now there are dishes under the counter that I know are older than I am. That is a lot of extra work that I wanted no parts of. I still feel every dish washed to ensure that it is clean and no caked on food remains. Mom also graciously fed countless friends, associates, friends of friends and whoever else we would bring by the house to eat. I know that even today some of our current “family” were previous strangers. One of a kind, she will be missed by us all. Love you mom!