obituaries

Nettie Turner

Alton |

Mrs. Nettie Mae Williams Turner of Alton, IL was born in Wetumpka, Alabama on November 29, 1922.  The first child of Thomas Washington Eldridge and Susie Mae Johnson, she passed peacefully into the next life Monday morning, April 7, 2014.  She was 91 years old. In her early years in Alton, she cleaned private homes, cooked and waitressed at varied venues including Laclede Steel before working for five years in the dining halls at SIU-Alton.  She left SIU for a position at Alton State Hospital and worked there for 25 years before retiring.She raised her children in Alton Community Church before transferring membership to Greater St. James Baptist Church where she remained until illness lessened her attendance.  Mrs. Turner read her Bible daily.  She also loved novels by Erle Stanley Gardner and other mystery writers.   Matriarch of five generations, her children are: Mrs. Claudette (James E.) Day of Harvey, IL;  Dr. Joann Williams Thompson of Columbia, SC;  Mr. Gordon D. Williams of Alton, IL; and,  Mr. Willie M. (Sammie Lynn) Williams of Chicago, IL.  Subsequent generations include nine grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren.  She is also survived by siblings, Mrs. Ruth Robinson, Mr. James Gray, and Mr. Willie Neal Gray, all of Alton; sisters-in- law, Mrs. Fannie Gray, Mrs.Vera Gray and  Mrs. Lyda Rose Gray, all of Alton; and, a host of several generations of nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was predeceased by her parents; her second husband,  Mr.  J.T. Turner;  three brothers. Mr. Thomas W. Gray, Mr. David A. Gray, and Minister Cleveland Gray, Sr.; sister, Mrs. Betty Darkins Silas;  grandson, Philip Smith; great-grandson, Tyrone Lashawn; and, sister-in-law Mrs. Ruby Gray.  She was formerly married to Joseph W. Williams.Memorial services for Mrs. Turner will be held  at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 19 at Greater St. James Baptist Church of Alton, IL.  Rev. E.J. Roberts officiatin. Interment will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery. Guest book and condolelnces may be registered at http://www.harrisonfuneralchapel.com/


Obit Provided By:
Harrison Funeral Chapel

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