Evelyn Turner

Evelyn Turner age 101 of Roswell, GA, formerly of Paducah, KY transitioned from her earthly life on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. 

Evelyn was the oldest of three children born to Judith (Judy) Morris and George Williams in Paris, Tennessee. 

She married John Amos Bramley in 1939 and to this union, a baby girl was born in November 1941, Frances Louise Bramley Williams.  Evelyn named her daughter Frances after one of her aunts and gave her the same middle name, Louise. Evelyn moved to   Paducah, Kentucky for better work in 1946 and Frances started school in 1947.  John Bramley passed away in 1960 after many heart problems.

Evelyn raised her special needs nephew, Jerry McKinnie since he was 5 years old.  She made it possible for him to live in a group home near Lexington, Kentucky.  He visited her twice a year during his birthday month, June, and Christmas.  They remained very close through ongoing phone calls and sending him gifts.

Evelyn worked at Illinois Central Railroad Hospital in the dietary department until it closed in 1961.  She chose not to transfer with the railroad to Chicago, Illinois and became a homemaker.

Evelyn married Jewel Turner, who eventually passed with complications from several strokes.

Evelyn’s Christian journey began in a Holiness Church in Paris, TN.  However, about 1938 she and her cousin Mildred Morris began sneaking off to Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.   After moving to Paducah, Kentucky she joined the Burks Chapel AME Church and worked on the Usher Board until her arthritis prevented her from standing for long periods of time in her 80s.   She also enjoyed cooking for the church.  She was known for her homemade rolls and caramel cakes.

In 2011, Bishop Vashti McKenzie with the support of her pastor Rev. Rita Story consecrated her and Faye Clemons as Deaconess in the AME Church. 

In 2015, she moved to Roswell, GA to live with her daughter, Frances Williams, and granddaughter, Renata Williams.  During that time even with mobility challenges, she met many people and had a great impact.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Williams and Judith Morris; brother and sister, son-in-law, Charles Williams, Sr.; her grandsons, Charles Williams, Jr., Michael Williams; close cousins, Clara Jean Reynolds, and Mildred Morris.

She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter, Frances Louise Bramley Williams; granddaughter, Rev. Renata Louise Williams, nephew, Jerry McKinnie, nieces, cousins, and other relatives, Burks Chapel Family, and Georgia Friends.

Georgia Arrangements

Visitation will be at George W. Levett Sr. and Sons Funeral Home (914 Scenic Hwy S, Lawrenceville, GA 30045) Saturday, April 15 from 2 pm-4 pm.

Kentucky Arrangements

Visitation will be at Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home (1229 Madison Street, Paducah, KY 42001), Tuesday, April 18 from 11 am-12 pm.  Service will begin at the funeral home at 12 pm. with Reverend Renata Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Maplelawn Park Cemetery.