Thelma "Duchess" (McGhee) Turner

It is with deep sympathy we announce the earthly transition of Mrs. Thelma "Duchess" McGhee Turner, of Gadsden, who traded time for eternity on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the age of 91.  Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. You will always be the wind beneath our wings. – Your Loving Family

Our beloved Thelma Turner was born as a twin sister (Velma), on September 9, 1932, in Gadsden, Alabama, to Daisy and John McCree. The Silent Generation was termed to describe those born during this year, and Thelma was a “quiet storm.” To know her was to love her; she was as quiet as you allowed her to be, as resolute as she wanted to be, but as loving, caring, humble, and nurturing as God granted her to be. Being one of only two sets of twins on First Street, in Gadsden, Thelma and Velma became affectionately known as “Big Sis” and “Lil’ Sis”. To her immediate family, Thelma was affectionately known as “Duchess”, crowned in our hearts.

Thelma was educated in Gadsden City Schools. She was the mother of six children. Her embodiment of unconditional love and unending generosity was seen in the care of her nephew and bonus son, Charles Sattiewhite.

During her youth, Thelma became a member of Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, under pastor W.M. Mallory. She remained a member throughout her adulthood, serving faithfully under the following ministries: Sarah Smith Circle, Missionary Society, and Vacation Bible School. God blessed her with the gift of voice, and she used that spiritual gift to deliver praises from the heart as a dedicated member of both the Gospel Chorus and Mass Choir (Ephesians 4:12). Thelma also had a personal ministry of benevolence work. An altruistic woman, she prioritized regular visits to the sick and shut-in and enjoyed personalizing greeting cards with special prayer insertions. She taught her family what it looked like to be a cheerful giver, without expecting something in return (2 Corinthians 9: 6-8). Thelma was honored as one of Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church’s longest-serving members until her health failed.

Thelma retired from the YMCA of the Coosa Valley in 1999. She was an active member of the Silver
Sneakers while employed. After retirement, full of energy and vigor, Thelma took a part-time role with the Etowah County Department of Human Resources. In this role, she was still able to carry out her personal ministry of helping others.

Even toward the end, Thelma remained fortitudinous, charismatic, humorous – with a smile that could brighten any room, and attentive to her family and friends. She answered the Savior’s call and took her rest on May 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Her crown in glory is full and she will surely hear our Savior say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

Thelma was preceded in death by her son, Larry Turner; parents, Daisy and John McCree; twin sister, Velma Black; brother, John McCree Jr.; sons-in-law, Donald Cannon, and Richard Stark.

She is survived by her loving and devoted daughters, Shirley Turner, Sherry Cannon, Janice (Lee) Hooks, Jacqueline Stark, all of Atlanta, Georgia, Constance (Bryan) Bostick, and bonus son/nephew Charles Sattiewhite, both of Gadsden, Alabama; sister-in-law, Dorothy McCree, Akron, Ohio; six grandchildren, Brandi Cannon, Lindsey (Jay) Williams, Larry (Asia) Burton, Joshua Burton, all of Atlanta, Georgia, Ryan (Raven) Bostick, and Jaden Bostick, both of Gadsden, Alabama; five great-grandchildren, and a host of nephews, nieces, other family and many dear friends.

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