Obituaries » Evelyn Turner
PrintEvelyn Turner
July 2, 1936 - March 19, 2018
Burial Date: March 24, 2018
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Jackson – Highley Funeral Home Chapel, 126 Panama Road, West Helena AR from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Funeral Services will follow immediately at 12:00 noon at Jackson – Highley Funeral Home Chapel, West Helena AR. Interment will be at the Pine City Cemetery, Pine City AR.
Evelyn Turner, 81, was born on July 2, 1936 in Ragtown, Arkansas by a midwife, to the union of John Turner and Ruth Barner-Starr. Evelyn accepted Christ at an early age and was united with Greater First Baptist Church where she enjoyed serving the Lord by ushering and singing in the choir.
Evelyn grew up in Holly Grove, Arkansas and then moved to West Helena, Arkansas as a young adult where she met and married Joe Henry Toney. In 1978 she moved to Milwaukee, WI where she united in holy matrimony with Edward Gillion. She was a devoted member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church where she continued to serve the Lord as an usher.
Evelyn worked as an Industrial Presser in Milwaukee until she retired. In her leisure she enjoyed talking, cooking, sewing, spending time with her grandchildren, having Sunday dinner with close friends and family. She especially enjoyed the holidays when her family and friends from all over would come and celebrate being together. Evelyn was full of wisdom and never turned anyone away. Evelyn was loved by many and will be truly missed.
Evelyn Turner departed this life on Monday, March 9, 2018 at 11:20 a.m. at Baptist Health Medical Center, Little Rock, Arkansas. She was proceeded in death by her mother Ruth Barner-Starr, her father John L. Turner. She was proceeded in death by two daughters Gail Bell, Ora Lee Toney and one son Melvin Turner. Three brothers; Johnny Starr, Aaron Starr, Eherman Turner and favorite cousin “Cousin Sista.” Evelyn will be laid to rest next to her favorite uncle Lanksford “Uncle Jack” Barner and many more family and friends.
Evelyn is survived by her loving children; Norris Turner of IL, Joann Clayton (Johnnie), Renae McCovery (DeMoin), Walter Toney (Cynthia) of Wisconsin. She is also survived by one brother; James Starr of Kansas, three sisters; Addie V. Abrams of Holy Grove, Ida Ruth Burress of Tennessee, Jeanie Bradley of Iowa and her sister-in-law; Mozell Turner of Illinois.
Evelyn leaves behind to cherish her memory, grandchildren Nikki, John, Jason, Terrell, Shaquilla, Pierre, Courtney, Karmen, Krystal, Brandon, Domonic, Aaron, Brianna. Her great grandchildren, Ashonte’, Jordan, Jaida, Christopher, MacKenzie and many more. Her special friend Cheryl Turner and the Knowlton family. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family.
