Gwendolyn Ann Turner

Beloved Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, and Sister

With humble acceptance of God's will, we announce the passing of Gwendolyn Ann Turner who was born on the 30th day of November 1951 in Mobile, Alabama. She was the beloved daughter to her late parents, father Silas Means Turner and mother Addie Gertrude Turner.  She was called home on the 18th day of December 2023 in Sacramento, California.

Gwendolyn was the third eldest of five siblings, eldest brother Anthony John Hendricks (deceased), and leaves behind brothers Silas Turner Jr. (sister in-law Gloria Turner), Gary Lebaron Turner (sister in-law Brenda Turner), Terry Bernard Turner (sister-in-law Cheryl Turner), and youngest sibling and sister Beverly Elaine Willrich (brother in-law Donald Willrich).

Gwendolyn leaves behind two children; eldest son Leadner Holmes III, and daughter Taronda Michelle Turner. Four grandchildren, Kali Turner (wife Soleil Turner), Dakarai Turner, Arica Turner, Alivia Michaud and one great grandson Ezekiel Turner.

Gwendolyn secured her degree in Interior Design and undeniably had a niche for decorating and a flare for fashion which she showcased in her daily personal life. She worked for the State of California where she retired and went on to pursue her passion to help kids, which led her to enter her second career in education. Gwen spent several years working as a Career Counselor for Center High School, and then continued her career working for Oak Park Elementary School where she was employed upon her time of passing.

Gwendolyn was an avid reader and her favorite book she dedicated most of her time reading was the Bible consuming (and sharing) the Word of God.  She loved to travel and enjoyed seeing the world. She spent the last 10 years of her life traveling with family and friends enjoying the beauty of the world, crossing many oceans by plane and cruise ships.

Gwendolyn was the matriarch of the family who graciously, unselfishly, and silently accepted the baton from her mother to carry forward the family’s southern roots of soul food cooking. She was intentional to make sure everyone who had a seat at the table never fell short of a blessed meal made with love and care. She also enjoyed baking cakes to demonstrate her love on birthdays and special occasions - showing off her skills and relishing in the moment of loved ones gloating over her famous red velvet cake. 

Gwendolyn was known for and embraced by family and friends for being a loving, peaceful, and forgiving soul who found goodness in every situation and person. She embodied love and often reminded us of 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

The love for her children, family and friends showed no limits of what she would do to bridge any gap to make sure their needs were met. Cut from a cloth of greatness, she possessed a deep love for God and remained rooted in the Word. Gwendolyn will be missed and cherished beyond what any words could describe.  

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Family and friends find comfort knowing she is with God and loved ones in heaven. We will see you again in perfect peace.

~ Your family