Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Turner, John L. May 12, 1999
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Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) - Monday, May 17, 1999 
God called John L. ``Chops'' Turner from labor to reward his servant on May 12,
1999, in Atlanta, Ga. The youngest of five children, he was born March 11, 1929,
in Norfolk to the late Cornelius Turner and Leola Turner King. He was educated
in the Norfolk City Public Schools, graduating from Booker T. High School, Class
of 1947.

John took his God-given talents beyond high school by earning a bachelor of
music degree from West Virginia State College. While there, he sang in the
college choir and the Men's Glee Club and played in the concert as well as the
marching band. He also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the
American Federation of Musicians.

He continued his education at the Vandercook College of Music in Chicago and
earned a Master of Music degree. He also did further study at Old Dominion
University and Norfolk State University.

He was the father of Phyllis Stith of Suffolk and was formerly married to the
late Glennie Hill of Ahoskie, N.C. From that union one daughter was born, Wanda
Faye Turner of Atlanta, Ga.

With his unique personality, he had triumphed in discipline and teaching
resulting in musical excellence as a teacher at several schools in Virginia and
North Carolina.

He served as minister of music at the First Baptist Church, Mahan Street in
Suffolk, for 43 years. There he directed the Excelsior and Chancel choirs and
Male Chorus whose members included men of the Suffolk Male Chorus. He had also
served as an organist for several other churches in the Hampton Roads area.

Over an extended period, he had formed an entertainment group known as the John
L. ``Chops'' Turner Orchestra that brought much happiness to area social and
civic groups.

He was the recipient of many honors and awards for his tireless service to
organizations, both civic and social.

Survivors include daughters, Phyllis Stith of Suffolk and Wanda Turner of
Atlanta; a brother, Cornelius Turner Jr. and wife, Margaret, of Frederick, Md.;
two sisters, Lois Turner Williams of Chesapeake and Winifred Turner Wells of
Hempsted, N.Y.; and a brother-in-law, William ``Billy'' H. Alston of Detroit. He
was also predeceased by an older sister, Dorothy Turner. He also leaves to
cherish his memories three grandchildren, Jovan and Kenya Stith of Suffolk and
Brianna Turner of Atlanta; a great-grandchild; three stepchildren; seven step
grandchildren; 11 nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Mahan Street,
Suffolk, by the Rev. Isaac Williams. Viewing will be from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Monday
at Riddick Funeral Service. A wake will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the
church. The ALPHA IOTA Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. memorial service
will begin at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Norfolk. At other
times, the family will receive friends at 1000 Litton Lane, Apt. 5F, Suffolk. In
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the caring and sharing
program, at the First Baptist Church, Mahan St., 112 W. Mahan St., Suffolk VA
23434. 

Additional Comments:
Calvary Cemetery

TURNER, JOHN L I23340 Section 17, Block 17, Lot 226, Space NE 72 05/12/1999

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