Isiah Turner Jr.

1945 - 2021

Isiah Turner, Jr.,
1945-2021
Isiah Turner Jr., affectionately known as "Ike", passed away peacefully in Austell, Georgia on December 28, 2021 from a battle with cancer.
He was born in St. Joseph, Louisiana on May 15, 1945, the first of three children born to the late Isiah Turner, Sr. and Leona Turner. Isiah's sister Debra and brother Phil preceded him in death.
Isiah exemplified a commitment to the pursuit of success and "Black excellence", first as a precocious intellect and later as a change maker, leader, and distinguished gentleman. He completed Richmond High School at age 16 in 1962 and later earned a B.S. in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Throughout Isiah's career he was a civil servant working with and for non-profit organizations, and state and city governments. Isiah lived and thrived in Richmond as a youth and later became the City Manager.
In the 1970's, Isiah joined the Seattle OIC where he collaborated with IBM and helped launch a data processing program to help trainees gain employment. During the 1980s, Isiah was the highest-ranking Black appointed official in Washington State, serving the Governor as Commissioner of the Employment Security Department. He also served as President of the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Administrators in Washington, D.C.
Isiah returned to California in the 1990s. Serving as City Manager of Richmond, he was successful in collaboration with public agencies, community-based organizations, labor, education, and the business community. He led an economic development program that helped many Richmond residents find gainful employment and housing, helped establish a career center system, and also obtained multi-million dollar grants for housing.
After retiring in 2004, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He lived a blessed life pursuing his passions while experiencing far-ranging places and cultures. Isiah's career achievements earned him countless accolades.
Isiah leaves to cherish beautiful memories: his fiancee and loving soulmate, Stephanie Wright.
His legacy will be remembered by his three children: Terrie Turner-Glave (Terry) of Washington State, Ketcia Turner of California, and Damon Isiah Turner of North Carolina; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; cousin Jesse Reed; nephew Marlon Turner; and beloved relatives and friends.
Memorial Service: Sunday, January 16, 2022; 2:00pm EST/11:00 am PST
Murray Brothers Funeral Home, 1109 Utoy Springs Road S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30331
Live Streaming: https://vimeo.com/661322732