Rosa Lee Turner

Rosa Lee Turner (Mother) was born in Sylvarena, Mississippi on August 24, 1932, to the (late) Roma Hatcher and the (late) Mamie (Hamilton) Hatcher.   
 
Early Life: Mother was educated in the Mississippi public school education system. She especially enjoyed history class. Fittingly, Mother had a remarkable memory and served as the family historian. She enjoyed sharing memories of her childhood experiences.   

On December 31, 1955, Rosa wed Henry Turner. To that union they brought 6 children.  Mother is survived by the five of her 6 children, grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.  The Turner family moved to Florida in 1957 and became members of New Zion Baptist Church. In 1967, the Turner family moved to Miami and joined Antioch Missionary Baptist church.  The family later joined Greater Peace Baptist Church where Mother faithfully served on the usher and mission board.  Mother was employed at the Hialeah Convalescent home for 44 years. Mother took pride in being a member of the Union. She participated in charity walks. Mother joined the Buccaneers Senior Organization. Mother was Miami Heat’s #1’ fan.  
Mother was an incredibly kind and generous person. Even though she often had her hands full with her own children, she was always willing to help her friends out with their children or any other task they may have needed assistance with.

Mother had the gift of gab and she never met strangers. She would strike up a conversation with complete strangers while in the garden department of the Home Depot; before long they were sharing their life stories and no longer strangers. She was also strong, stubborn, direct; yet gentle, and had an amazing sense of humor. Mother had a very competitive spirit which peaked during her later years. She took pride in fundraising. She aspired to be the top seller of church raffle tickets or dinners. She enjoyed watching games shows and playing along with the contestants on the TV. The family Feud with Steve Harvey was her favorite game show. Wheel of Fortune was a close second.  Mother enjoyed watching soap operas too.

Mother made the best sweet potato pies and peach cobbler. I can smell the butter and taste a hint of her secret flavoring. Mother affectionately referred to these pies as funeral pies for two reasons: If you weren’t careful it could be your funeral and the pies were requested to be served at the repast.  Mother loved reading the obituary section of the Miami Times. She also loved studying the bible, attending Sunday school class, bible study, and worship services.  Mother role-modeled the importance of having faith in God; a strong work ethic, generosity, and compassion.   I am thankful to the Lord for her faith and hope in Him! As grateful as I am for my Mother, I’m more grateful to the Savior who first placed me in her care and who has taken care of her soul.

It can also be said that Mother knew how to keep Christmas well. Over the years, Mother amassed quite a collection of lights and decorations. Every year, Mother tried to fill every inch of the yard with lights and decorations. On one side of the yard is Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, Christmas trees, inflatable’s and luminaries. On the other side of the fence is the nativity scene complete with the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the barnyard animals, three wise men and carolers. The fence is draped with vibrant lights that twinkle, chase and sing and there’s the candy cane walk way. The house is framed with blue lights, wreaths and lighted snowflakes. The shrubs and trees that were especially grown for this occasion are adorned with lights.

Mother found joy in planting and tending to her beautiful flower garden - rose bushes were her favorite. She made sure she received her flowers while she was living. Even when the flower beds were filled; Mother always said that there was always room for one more flower in the garden.  In later years, Mother found peace by just sitting on a comfy chair on the front porch with her puppy beside her and admiring the flowers and green grass.

Mother leaves to cherish her memories. Three sons: Charles Turner (Inez) of San Antonio, Texas, Anthony Turner (deceased) Marty Turner (Victoria) of Fort Pierce, Florida and Sanford Turner (Tammie) of Miami Gardens, Florida. Two daughters: Sandra Turner of Hollywood, Florida and Daphne Stephens of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Five granddaughters Shikira Turner, Adrianna Mitchell, Tammera Turner, Santoria Turner and Robin Turner. Four grandsons: Charles Turner, Jr., Michael Turner, Brian Turner and Marcus Stephens.  One great granddaughter Michelle Turner and one great grandson Charles Turner III. One sister Bobbie L. Craft and one brother Willie B. Hatcher and a host of cousins and friends.    

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