Roberta Turner

Roberta Wilson Turner departed this life peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2025, in New Haven, Connecticut, at the age of 85, surrounded by her family at home. Roberta was born on August 23, 1939, to the late Samuel Wilson, Jr. and Rosa Funnye Wilson in Georgetown, South Carolina. She is the second oldest of 15 children and the first-born girl. Roberta had a few nicknames; "Ma" for her children, "Aunt Bert" for her nieces and nephews, "Bert" or "Berta" for her siblings, "Sister Turner" for her Masonic family but her most popular and affectionate name was "NANA" who she was called by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and the rest of the community. Everyone loved "NANA", and she loved everyone. You could tell if she really, really liked you because she would give you 'the business' and then laugh. Roberta was educated by Georgetown Public Schools and graduated from Howard High School. Shortly after graduation, she moved to New York where she had lots family that migrated there earlier in life. She found employment at Presbyterian Hospital working as a nurse's aide. Shortly thereafter, Roberta met the love of her life, Jesse Lee Turner. They married on September 6, 1958. Three children were born of this union: Almedia "Meme", Darrell & Coresia. After the sudden passing of her sister Jernetta, the two of them took her son, Curtis, at the age of two and raised him as their own. She had a wife and motherly instinct to die for. Being the eldest girl out of her siblings, losing her mom at the age of 16, she became the mother figure of the family until her father remarried. some point, at least half of them have lived with her family after she married. ironing, sewing, cooking for her family and keeping the house spotless. Everything she did had to be done with perfection. Roberta worked at Southern Connecticut State University and retired after 38 years of service. She worked in the Fine Arts building her whole tenure and learned to do the work right along with the students. They loved her as well. Her favorite pass time then became watching game shows and watching Judge Judy. Roberta was a very active member of the Order of Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, State of Connecticut & its Jurisdiction. She joined other organizations under this umbrella which includes Jeroham Court #3, Heroines of Jericho reaching the highest station as the Past Most Ancient Matron, Faith Royal Court #2, Order of Cyrene reaching the highest station as the Past Royal Commandress, New Haven Assembly #2, reaching the highest station as the Past Loyal Lady Ruler. Although she reached these heights, OES Eureka Chapter #2 was her baby! She did reach the pinnacle level and became a Past Matron. Roberta also worked in the Grand Chapter as the Grand Lecturer. All of you new female members need to dress properly because she is going to be studying you to be sure you have on a slip underneath your dress. She was notorious for taking off one of the five slips that she had on to make sure no one could see through you! Roberta is predeceased by her husband Jesse Lee Turner; daughter Almedia "Meme" Turner; parents Rosa & Samuel Wilson, Jr.; sisters, Algretta Rushdan, Jernetta & Artrella Wilson; brothers, Lorenzo, Samuel III, Marvin Sr., Randolph & Michael Wilson & Horace Tillery; brother-in-law, Charles Benjamin; one grandchild, Caylee Wilson; one very special nephew Marvin Wilson, Jr., one very special niece, Samantha Wilson. Roberta leaves to cherish her memories, her two children, son, Darrell (Lisa) & daughter, Coresia Turner; her very special nephew/son, Curtis Wilson, Sr.; (22) grandchildren, Shaylese Turner (Lamont), Latrese Turner (Tommie, Jr.), Andrea Thomas, Torese Turner, Sr., Taness Turner, Rickia Turner, Amber Turner. Mary Lucarelli, Kendall Brodie, Dariah Turner, Jessie Turner, Leah Turner, - Kori, Curtis Jr., Curtaeja, Reginald, Charles, Shanaya, Kaylani, Curtisye, Harmoni & Journee Wilson; (23) great-grand, Toni Turner, Ketrese Barnes, Monev Carson, Indya Washington, Nyrese Turner, Mia Ward, Torese Turner Jr., Zanyiah Turner, Kyree Pearson, Kayla Turner, Kelese Turner, Thomas Cook III, Paris Pearson, Amir Turner - Mikenzie, Akayla, Madysen, Myla, Reya, Giaa, & Reginald Jr. Wilson, Olive Brodie; (2) great-great grand children, Keloni & Tylon McFarlane Jr.; sister, Angela Wilson; brothers, W. Myah Wilson(Audrey), David (Gwen); sister-in-law, Emma T. Miller; God-daughter, Roxanne Robinson. Roberta, your legacy will live forever - JOB WELL DONE!!

Roberta Turner

August 23, 1939 - February 16, 2025