Edward Turner

It is with deep sympathy we announce the passing of Mr. Edward "Hook" Turner of Gadsden, AL, who transitioned on Friday, November 26, 2021, at the age of 71.  We ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Edward "Hook" Turner, Jr. was born on January 12, 1950, in Gadsden, Etowah County, AL to Mary Louise Turner & Edward Askew.  He was the first child and first grandchild.  Later Edward was adopted and raised by his maternal grandparents Jessie Lee and Mentory Gipson Turner.

He confessed Christ at an early age in 1956, under the Pastoral Leadership of Pastor D.B. Damper at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. 

Edward graduated from Carver High School, Class Of 1969.  After high school, he went to the trade school on Valley Street and took Auto Mechanics & Body Shop.  In high school, Edward ran track.  He got that gift from his mother. She also ran track. He was a people person, and he never met a stranger.

Edward started working at Allis Chalmers on June 7, 1970.  Edward later started working at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company on December 9, 1971. He got another nickname at Goodyear, because he ran a sweeper scrubber His Coworkers called him "Truck" . He worked at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 42 years and 7 days.  He retired on January 1, 2014.  

Edward married Janet Tuck in December 1970 and to this union one child was born, Sonia LaShell Turner.  Edward and Janet divorced in December 1971. Edward later married Diane D. Valentine on January 25, 1975, and two children were born, Rhonda Roshell and Eric Brandon Turner.  

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise Turner Woody Brooklyn, NY; his grandparents Jessie Lee and Mentory Gipson Turner, Gadsden, AL; sister Yvonne Woody McLaurin, York, PA.  

Edward departed this life on Friday, November 26, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family.  

Edward was a people person and he loved to bowl, play cards, pray, bake, cook and he loved acting and performing in plays and public speaking.  He would do public speaking quite often (especially during Black History month).  His most often speech was "The Creation" by James Weldon Johnson and "I Have A Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr.  

Edward was a dedicated, devoted, and faithful church member.  He was a Trustee and later became a Deacon and he served the church in many capacities under the Pastorage of Rev. D.B. Damper, T. L. Lewis, W. H. Granger, and Rev. Larry G. Weathers.  Edward was also a devoted and faithful member of The Gethsame Lodge #27 F. AM.  He became a Mason in the early 1970's.  He loved attending the Masonic Grand Sessions.  Edward had a number of roles in The Grand Lodge over the years.  He served as a Worshipful Master, A Past Master and he was the Senior Warden.  

He leaves to cherish his most precious memories to his loving wife, Diane D. Turner, Gadsden, AL; his daughters, Sonia L. Samuels, Madison, AL; Rhonda R. Turner, Gadsden, AL; his son, Eric B. Turner, Gadsden, AL;  grandchildren, LaVonta (Kayla) Stamps, Gadsden, AL, Vada S. Samuels, Madison, AL; one great granddaughter, Ava Grace Stamps, Gadsden, AL; sisters, Alma Faye (Randolph) Wells, Birmingham, AL,  Henrietta Woody, York, PA; brothers, Levi Taylor, St.Lucie, FL; Willie B. Woody, Jr., York, PA; Malcolm (Lydia) Woody, York, PA; brother-in-law, Floyd Valentine, Sr., Gadsden, AL; sister-in-law, Joyce James, Indianapolis, IN, Judy V. Henry, Hattiesburg, MS; aunts, Sarah (Dewrell) Smith, New York, Ny, Dorothy A. Watson, Gadsden, AL, Cornelia Griffith, Brandon, FL, Betty J. Littlefield, New York, NY, and Bertha Turner, Gadsden, AL; god-sister, Louise Jeffery, Gadsden, AL; special friends, Grace Morgan Davis, Gadsden, AL, Paulette Mostiller Fredrick, West Covina, CA, Ekra Marbury Tolbert, Gadsden, AL, Donald Pace, Gadsden, AL, Thomas H. Posey, Gadsden, AL, Tommy Ash, Gadsden, AL, James Parker, Sr., Gadsden, AL, Lovelace Jones, Gadsden, AL, and Jimmy Conwell, Gadsden, AL and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.  

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