Rosemary Turner

Life Reflections

The Lord welcomed Mrs. Rosemary Turner into his loving arms, after 80 years of life on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Rosemary was born to the late Clarence Eugene Fortis, Sr. and Mercie Mae (Dalrymple) Fortis in Saint Louis, Missouri on January 29, 1943. She was the third child of five born to her parents. She attended Douglas High School which was a segregated high school in North Webster Groves, Missouri from 1926 until 1956. In 1957, her class was the first group of students to integrate Webster Groves High School. On July 28, 1962, she married, Laffayette S. Turner, Sr. and to their union five children were born: Clarence (David), Winnie, Jacquelyn, Laffayette Jr. (Mike) and Cynthia.

Rosemary loved the Lord Jesus, whom she had a personal faith relationship with. Sister Turner was a faithful member at West Central Church of Christ, since 2002. She had a servant's heart that was witnessed through her 42 years of service with the United States Postal Service as a postal clerk, serving at various stations. During the tax season, she simultaneously worked for 30 years as a H&R Block enrolled agent. During those times, lives were immensely richer through the personal attention she ex-tended to her co-worker and clients. After retirement, she volunteered with the Webster-Rock Hill Ministry after school program. She believed in helping others regardless of the need. Her example of service and commitment taught her children, family, and friends what the true meaning of life and sacrifice is all about. Although she was a hard worker, her greatest accomplishment of service and sacrifice was being a mother. In her own words, that is "all I ever want to be." She enjoyed life amid her service. She accomplished her lifelong goal of graduating from college at the age of 73. She traveled all over the world. Her personal travel goal was to sleep in all 50 states in North Ameri-ca. Only seven remained before she completed her earthly journey.

Mrs. Rosemary Turner was preceded in death by her husband, Laffayette S. Turner, Sr., and brothers, Clarence Jr., Oliver, and Johnny Fortis. She is survived by sisters; Calla (Peg) White and Toni Fortis. Her children, Clarence David (Jeri) Turner, Winnie Carr, Jacquelyn (Stanley) Paxton, Laffayette Jr. (Virgina) Turner and Cynthia Turner. Her five grandchildren: Erica (Jonathan) Davis, Eric Turner, Erin Turner, Rachel Paxton, and Leah (Jose) Luviano. Her seven great-grandchildren: Kristina, Joy, Angel, Jonathan, Josiah, Joaquin, and Ian. A host of nieces and nephews, who were "like" her children, cousins, and friends. To know Rosemary was to know a friend! She lived life fully and loved completely. She will be missed and cherished by all who had the honor to know her.