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Helen R. Turner Obituary

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Helen R. Turner

Omaha, Nebraska

April 14, 1945 - February 21, 2021

Helen R. Turner Obituary

To view the wake service, click on the link below. Streaming will begin at 4:30 P.M.https://boxcast.tv/view/helen-r-turner-celebration-of-life-791803The legendary Helen R. (Burse) Turner was born on April 14, 1945 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was the first of 13 children born to Isaiah Burse Sr. and Susie (Works) Burse.While in Pine Bluff three life changing events happened to Helen. In 1963, she graduated from Coleman High School and she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life Rodger 'Lucky Chuck' Turner Sr, who she met in the 3rd grade. That same year they moved to Omaha, Nebraska to begin their lives as one.Born to this union, Helen and Rodger welcomed their only son, Rodger 'Jr. followed by two daughter's Yvette and Ilisha (Lisa).In Omaha, Helen worked in Environmental Services for Kiewit Plaza. She also worked as a teacher for Omaha Head Start. At Head Start she discovered the calling on her life was working with and helping children. Once her children were school age Helen went back to school and received her Associate Degree in Teaching from Metropolitan Technical Community College. After 28 years of teaching she retired from Head Start. Helen's passion was working with children.Children were her passion but the Lord was her Light! She heard and answered the call accepting Christ at the tender age of 7 at her father's church - Greater Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. As a devoted, faithful saint, Helen sang in the church and school choirs."The Lord done blessed me with a voice to minister to the world." - Helen TurnerHelen's extraordinary God given musical talent was undeniable!! As an adult, it garnered her the attention of many top musical artists such as 'Kirk Franklin', 'Richard Smallwood', 'Reba McIntyre', 'Mattie Moss Clark' and 'The Clark Sisters'. She was also an opening act for 'The Bobby Jones Gospel Show' on the BET network. She toured with 'Jay Terrell and Higher Praise'. She let the Lord use her as his instrument. Her voice was praised and felt in the heart of everyone who heard it. After touring the country for several years, Helen was offered a recording contract which she turned down to return to Omaha, Nebraska to be closer to her children and family. While living in Omaha, Helen was considered a Premiere Soloist. She performed each year in the 'Salem Baptist Church Annual MLK Musical' as well as the 'Gospel Music Workshop and 'Omaha Mass Choir. She was often requested to perform for many funerals, weddings and social events not only in Omaha but across the country. When you think of Helen Turner, you think of 'Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. As a good and faithful servant of the Lord, she was a cornerstone member church for many years. She facilitated the Sunday School, Bible Study and Prayer Service. She was the Minister of Music and Choir Director. She worked on the fund raising as well as the decorating committees. Helen was known for her mouthwatering 'potato salad'. She acted as chaperon for many of the Youth events. Any day of the week you could find Helen at the church working and worshiping. Friends to the end, Helen enjoyed having a good time with her girlfriends. Known as 'Frick', 'Frack', 'Mack' and 'Pat', she and her friends could often be seen around town shopping and eating out at 'Joe Tess' & 'Chu's'. They loved to travel to their favorite places like New Orleans, New Jersey, Niagara Falls, New York and even Canada. Sometimes to sing or sometimes just to have a good time. But Helen really enjoyed going back home to Pine Bluff for her class reunion and to visit family. They often ministered in prisons, nursing homes and hospitals, any way to help spread the word of the God and give comfort to those who were struggling."Flawless". "Sharp as a Tack". "Sophisticated". These are just a few words to describe her sense of style. Known for her elegance, Helen's style was impeccable. From her hair, wardrobe, and shoes Helen was always 'S-H-A-R-P'. When you think 'Queen', you think 'Classy'. When you think 'Classy', you think 'Helen Turner'!!!"I can't pay ya Lord, but I sho' can thank you" - Helen TurnerHelen always let people into her heart as well as her home by ministering God's love and support with her loving smile and joyous voice. Her heart was as pure as gold. Helen was the one you turned to when you needed a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. When you left Helen's home you felt the spirit of the Lord and love from Helen. Bonded by 'marriage' but connected like 'sisters' Helen had a special relationship with her sister-in-law Doris Haskin. Many people actually thought they were real 'SISTERS'!! Their love for each other will live on forever on earth and in heaven.Helen's voice and godly wisdom will forever be cherished in our hearts.Now reunited in heaven to together forever, Helen is proceeded in death by her parents Isaish and Susie Burse, her husband Rodger 'Lucky Chuck' Turner, her sisters Alberta Burse and Vivian Winston, brothers Isaish Burse Jr. and Michael Burse.Helen leaves behind the following to cherish her fond memories:Children: Rodger Turner Jr., Yvette Turner-Jennings (Donald) and Ilisha Siblings: Linda S. Finely, Audrey L. Edwards, Brandi Benjamin, Robbie Benjamin all of Pine Bluff, AR, Paul E. Burse (Kathy) of Council Bluffs, IA, Willie C. Burse (Brenda) of Chicago, IL, James E. Burse (Melody) of Phoenix, AZ, Isaac Whimper (Lula) of Pine Bluff, AR. Doris Cardwell of Omaha, NEIn-Laws: Carolyn Mitchell-Rascoe (Bernard), Debbie Burse,Cal Jones (Renee), Absalom Franklin Grandchildren: Roneise Turner & Tavionne TurnerGreat Grandchildren: Journey BroadwaySpecial Grandchildren: Tanisha Turner, Andre Ennis, & Precious CottonGod-Child & Caregiver: Shannon SmithGod-Child, Hosea SmithAnd to all those who loved her may she continue to be a be a positive beacon of light in your lives. Special thanks to the Mitchell, Haskin, Kercheval & Burse family. With a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church."There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,but you surpass them all" - Proverbs 31:29Celebration of Life for Helen R TurnerWake: Thursday, March 4th 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.Where: Forest Lawn Funeral Home 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd, Omaha, NE 68152Service: Friday, March 5th at 12:00p.m.Where: Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 1411 N 30th St , Omaha NE 68131Final Resting Place:Forest Lawn Cemetery Omaha, NE Visitation Thu, Mar 4, 2021 at 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Forest Lawn Funeral Home 7909 Mormon Bridge RoadOmaha, NE 68152 Service Fri, Mar 5, 2021 at 12:00 pm Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 1411 North 30th StreetOmaha, Nebraska 68131 Interment Fri, Mar 5, 2021 at 3:00 pm Forest Lawn Cemetery 7909 Mormon Bridge RoadOmaha, Nebraska 68152 Following the funeral services.

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