Ms. Maxine Turner's Obituary
She transitioned from the earthly tabernacle on June 8, 2020 in the comfort of her home in Bay Shore, NY. She was born August 8, 1940 in Meridian, Mississippi to Maeola Little Turner. MAXINE was reared by three spiritual women, who made sure she was instructed and led to live for Christ. Her mother, the late Maeola Little Turner, her grandmother, the late Stella Jenkins Little and her maternal aunt were important instruments in her life, giving guidance and equipping MAXINE to handle life's challenges as she grew up in our ever changing world. HER love for Christ grew as she grew up serving at SAINT PAUL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, Meridian, MS, where she confessed Christ and was baptized at an early age. Great friendships and the joy of worshipping with friends and loved ones as she served the risen Savior, later led her to Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, Meridian, MS. There was a special bond between Maxine and the late Rev. W. C. Griffin and the Saint John family. She always had time to express her musical talents as she sang the songs of Zion lending her melodious voice with joy wherever she was. Her melodious voice always had a special ring at Saint John as she testified in song: HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW, HE TOUCHED ME, I MUST TELL JESUS, GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU and so many other hymns and songs. MAXINE attended Meridian Public Schools, where her interest and love for music claimed the attention of others. She was a student of piano and voice, and her gifts and talents were magnified in her performances and teaching throughout her life. MAXINE continued her education at Tugaloo College. After graduating, she accepted a position teaching at Magnolia Middle School and Middleton Attendance Center. It was at the Middleton Attendance Center that she realized her true calling -teaching young people Music Appreciation and helping them to recognize and appreciate their God given musical talents and abilities. MAXINE always wanted to do her best; therefore, she knew she had to be her best. So, she engaged in additional musical studies at Mississippi State University and Rust College. When she completed her studies, she moved to Long Island, New York, where she continued to teach music and theory for over 35 years for the Copiague School System. Her teaching presented great opportunities to help students excel and develop into greatness. One of the many students she was fortunate enough to teach and watch grow into fame is the renowned Pastor Donnie McClurkin. MAXINE united in fellowship with Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral, Amityville, NY, where she attended and served while her health permitted. Those who now cherish her memory and await a glorious reunion are: five godchildren: Elder Bruce Green of Bellport, NY, Wallace Williams of Pasadena, CA, Magnolia Betts of Toomsuba, MS, Cheryl Yearell-Vinson of Decatur, GA and Myya McGregory of New York, NY; cousins, many church friends in Meridian and New York, several school mates and a host of good friends and acquaintances throughout the United States. She will be missed.
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