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Walter Turnbull Obituary
Turnbull died in a New York City hospital, said his brother, Horace Turnbull. He said Turnbull had suffered a stroke months earlier.
Turnbull's death marked the latest in a sad string of events for the famed choir, which has been reeling from scandal since a choirboy accused a counselor six years ago of sexually abusing him. City investigators chided Turnbull for his handling of the allegations.
The chairman of the choir's board, former New York Mayor David N. Dinkin, said the board was dedicated to preserving the choir. The renowned institution has fallen into debt, and the 50-boy choir was evicted last year and now has a reduced, mostly volunteer staff.
Born in Greenville, Miss., Turnbull studied music at Tougaloo College and moved to New York to become an opera singer, eventually performing with the New York Philharmonic.
He founded the choir at the Ephesus Church in 1968 and built the after-school program into the 600-student Choir Academy of Harlem, which opened in 1993. The choir has released albums and been heard on the soundtracks of films such as "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X" and "Glory."
Beyond its musical training, the choir provides educational and personal counseling each year to hundreds of inner-city children ages 9 to 19.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
201 Entries
Eileen Sierra
February 7, 2025
An amazing talent, and a wonderful friend. Rest in peace, my dear Walter.
Dr. Herbert V.R.P. Jones
December 5, 2012
I grew up in Jackson, MS listening to the incredible voice of Dr. Turnbull while he was at Tougaloo with Dr. Ariel Lovelace. I later (9th grade) auditioned for Dr. Lovelace and received my voice scholarship to Tougaloo...which would not take place until I graduated high school, of course, but Dr. Turnbull was an inspiration and influence on my life as a choral conductor, vocalist and educator. To God be the Glory for HIS Servant, Dr. Walter Turnbull. His memory will last forever...his legacy did not Transition with him. All of us whose lives he touched are all the better for it. Praise Jehovah for choral excellenece under Dr. Turnbull, my Friend. We love you, Dr. Turnbull.
Shantice Corbett
September 7, 2012
He was a great man and i enjoyed being apart of his dream.. We all love and miss Doc, he achieved what most ppl will die trying to achieve. No one i've ever met has or will compare to such a great man. Rest in peace Doc
How you can show support
Darnell Pittman
April 11, 2008
I would first like to apologize for taking so long and add how much i love and miss Dr.Turnbull i was fortunate enough to have been in the choir for a great amount of time and i will always carry on the legacy
Darryl smith
February 25, 2008
Approaching a year now since you left us Doc, and I must say, the world truly misses you. More than ever I am convinced that you created something unique and irreplaceable. The conversations and good times we all had on the bus will never be forgotten here. The time I was blessed to have with you were graduate school and Phd. research all in one. With ALL LOVE YOUR BROTHER
Darryl Smith
Minister Greg Wilson
October 8, 2007
There is so much we can say about Doc, I would like to thank Mr. Horace Turnbull and his family for sharing Doc with us. Doc was an awesome man, who encouraged everyone in his path, Doc showed me how to enjoy music and make it a life time passion. Greg Wilson BCH 1998
BishopJ. Bryant
September 25, 2007
doc i really miss you you taught me alot but now im learning from Chantel Renee wright remember her she awsome peace and love
Mark Sharp
July 30, 2007
Doc,
Boy do I miss hearing that hearty bellow, I mean laugh. You were a tough boss, a great friend and a loving dad to many students and staff alike. I thank you for your trust, love and support. If I am blessed to see you again I pray that you resevere me a spot on the management team of your all-star, all angel choir. You are truly my hero and I miss you greatly.
Elliana Byrd
June 22, 2007
Dr. Turnbull,
I love you every single way I can you are a teacher and a very good friend to me:Elliana William and all of your loved ones.As a directer we the BCH and GCH LOVE YOU. fROM:Elliana B. and William B.Jr.
Dorothy J. Smith Nelson
June 21, 2007
Dear Mary, Horace and Sam/Family, You are still in our thoughts and prayers. With each passing day may you see more of the beauty of Walter's life and his contributions to this world! I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to witness his awesome talents. We are so proud that Walter was a product of Greenville and Coleman High School. Stay strong in the Lord!
JAN
June 20, 2007
Peace be unto you.
C. Donald Beall
June 16, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Phyllis Holifield
June 13, 2007
Walter you will be truly missed. You are now in God's heavenly choir continuing your legacy. You were an inspiration to Greenville MS and many others. We will miss you!
Phyllis Holifield Bham AL formerly, Greenville MS
Samuel J. Bell & Family
June 13, 2007
To the Turnbull Family,
It was truly a pleasure to have known Dr. Walter Jake. You were indeed a blessing to all who knew and came in contact with you. May GOD strengthen and Bless your family. And you Sir, May you Rest In Peace and a job well done.
Rosie Scott Thomas
June 8, 2007
To the family of Walter J. Turnbull:
I had the cherished opportunity of being a 1962 Coleman classmate of Walter. His music and kind demeanor then was only a mirror of what he would offer to the world of song and inspiration. We sat side by side in English class and got in trouble for "talking too much". I will always remember you, Walt J.
Rosie Scott Thomas, Coleman "62"
Ollie Butler La Rue
May 21, 2007
Mr. Turnbull,
God have called you to direct the Heavenly Choir. Members include James Brown, Gerald Levert, Luther Vandross, Ronald Winans, and Rick James. Even though you have trained some of the toughest voices in New York to sing His mightly words, God has given you the gift to turn a growl into a sweet melody. Carry on, Mr. Turnbull. May the angels in heaven embrace your soulful touch, as we on earth, will miss you very much.
Tougaloo College Class of 1985
Billie (Lee) Watkins
May 13, 2007
To Mary Frances and family,
It was with great sorrow that I recently read of Walter's passing. I pray that you and family will find consolation in your fond memories of life with him and in the great contribution he made to the world.
Sylvester Hines
May 9, 2007
I was proud to be of his family and of his community. For we have nothing on this earth but Faith, Family and Friends. New York City, Tougaloo College and Greenville, Miss. can be proud he was a " man of the people ".
Jasmin williams
May 4, 2007
Dr T words Cant explain how much I miss you. You really taught me how to be a lady and have respect for myself. I still cant believe that your gone I guess God was missing an angel in heaven. I cant thank you enough for starting the girls choir and I am so proud that I was able to be in it and be able to tour with you. AS I prepare to to go on to college I will use everything you taught me in my life. I know that your RESTING IN PEACE. Class of 2007
Yolanda Brown
May 2, 2007
The family members of the late Robert & Altermease Brown, Eurgineese Williams & Emanual Williams (all of Greenville, MS) give our condolences to Horace and family. This is a major loss not only as a relative, but to the community and those he made an impact on. You will remain in our prayers. Yolanda, Robert Jr. & Kellie
Brother Green
April 29, 2007
A Brother (SIGMA MAN) that dared to dream - his life will be an insp. for those to come.
Roger Condit
April 27, 2007
Thank you, dear Walter, for your uncountable gifts to us mortals. Because you strived tirelessly to "Lift Every Voice" we live with greater joys in life. You played a major part in raising numerous fine gentlemen and ladies. I am fortunate to have sung under your inspiring direction during your semester of visiting professorship at the University of Maine at Farmington. I pray that your heroic efforts on Earth will continue in Heaven. Roger Condit (Farmington, Me.)
Michelle Huart
April 27, 2007
Dr. T all I can say is that I was so very shocked and hurt by your passing. Its crazy because I thought you would live forever doing what you loved the most and that is teaching music to young black children.
I want you to know that I will forever be greatful for what you gave to me and that was a chance and an opportunity. It is because of your dream that I not only learned many things within music but made ever lasting friendships/families. I love you for the man that you were and also because you gave me so much. I never got the chance to say it but THANK YOU. I know you are in heaven watching over us. As Xavier said you have a well deseved spot in heaven as an angel.
Again thank you for giving me a reason to live and a reason to become successful. Also, for teaching me that there is more to life and to think outside of the box because with hard work and dedication anything is possible.
I love you Doc. May you Rest In Peace.
Love always,
Michelle Huart class of 2000
Girls Choir of Harlem
Archie and JoAnn Hamilton
April 22, 2007
To the family of Walter J./ Reat assure he'll be ministering to us well into future.
Claudia Wesley-Reed
April 22, 2007
Horace, put your trust in the Lord. HE is the Alpha and the Omega. Walter Jake is in his heavenly home, the place all of us are striving to go.
So, Horace just continue to practice on the musical scale, you and I both know he is directing one of the major choirs in heaven. Maybe we will get to sing in his choir one of these days.
Horace it's okay to greive. Remember Walter Jake is resting in GOD's ARMS. PEACE IS WITH him.
Coleman High School 1964-65;
St.Joseph High School 1965-1967
Greenville, Mississippi
Ron Schwartz
April 16, 2007
Horace, it is with great shock that I just learned of Doc's passing. It brings great sadness to my heart. We have lost a truly great man. one of the greatest musical experiences of my life was working with Doc on the Schubert and Spirituals CD. Something that I will never forget. Such a passionate man, who loved his charges with all his heart. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Abby Ellis-Angell
April 15, 2007
With much sadness I learned yesterday of Walter Turnbull's passing. As a freelance writer, I was privileged to have had the opportunity to meet with him and interview him about his life and most admirable work with some of the young people of this country.
On my last visit with him in New York two years ago he seemed at his best as he led the members of his choir in a rehearsal just prior to an evening concert. I will keep this memory of him, as well as those of other visits, close to my heart, and shall always feel honored to have made his acquaintance and friendship. His very presence and rich cultural contributions to this otherwise out-of-tune world will never be forgotten. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Horace Turnbull, and to the many people, young and old alike, whose lives were infinitely affected by Walter's spirit and goodness. I shall always love him dearly. Abby
Ellis-Angell
Sylvester & Hazel Tape(Tougaloo '63 & '66)
April 11, 2007
Our deepest hearfelt sorrows for the Turnbull family on their loss. Walter's passing hits both of us particularly hard as our family has personal connections with him through both Tougaloo and Coleman HS in Greenville. We share your grief. Walter will be missed; however, his memory will live on through his many accomplishments and in our hearts.
Teri Lindsay Fobbs
April 10, 2007
Horace & Family,
You have my sympathy for the lost of your brother and our friend. May God bless you and your family with new strength.
In Christ,
Teri Lindsay-Fobbs
Class of 1967, Coleman High of Greenville, Ms.
Roger Condit
April 6, 2007
Thank you, dear Walter, for your uncountable gifts to us mortals. Because you strived tirelessly to "Lift Every Voice" we live with greater joys in life. You played a major part in raising numerous fine gentlemen and ladies. I am fortunate to have sung under your inspiring direction during your semester of visiting professorship at the University of Maine at Farmington. I pray that your heroic efforts on Earth will continue in Heaven.
Terrence Robinson (Tougaloo '97)
April 4, 2007
I met Dr. Turnbull and the Boys Choir of Harlem, in 1994, whille attending Tougaloo College. The memories of those days spent with them remain some of the most cherished of my life. I will never forget that and subsequent meetings with Dr. Turnbull. His presence and energy were always infectious. My condolences to Dr. Turnbull's family and all of the lives he touched over the years.
God Bless
ARCHIE & ANNETTE PARNELL
April 4, 2007
To Mary Francis, Samuel, & Horace:
Let the salt of those supporting provide comfort during this difficult time."GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH,A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE."PSALM 46:1
Teri Lindsay Fobbs
April 4, 2007
To Horace and Family:
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God continue to bless you all.
Gerald Rodriguez
April 4, 2007
It comes with great sadness and a heavy, heavy heart to have to write these words. Turnbull (Dad), yes he was a father for me for all my years in the Choir. I joined the Choir at the age of 8 until my senior year of High School. I'm considered the Old Choir the one's who helped build this beautiful dream of a beautiful man. I'm still in awe to know that one of the most influential people in my life is gone but will never be forgotten. Dad I have grown up to be an intelligent sound man with character, respect and dignity. Things that you taught us as youngsters. I remember your huge smile, your huge bear hugs as well as your huge hands when you had to give us that fatherly love. The one thing I will always carry with me are these words you taught me from Soprano 2 - Alto - Tenor (this was my favorite time)"To be number one you have to step on number two" and your favorite "Think Tenor". I still carry those words and will carry them until we see eachother again. With great Love and sadnees to you and your family...I will miss you Dad.
Gerald Rodriguez Alumnist (1980-1990)
I have spoken to some of the Old Choir memebers but I would love to speak to some more: [email protected]
Zavier Parker
April 3, 2007
What up Doc.I never thought That I would miss you man.I guess my thoughts lied to me.We been through alot while I was apart of that beautiful dream.I came from the hood and you made me realize that there's more to life than the mean street's of harlem.I came to realize that it was alot of us that was from the hood,and all that you were doing was only trying to help us.My life is officially saved now because of you.I Thank You for that man.I love you always.Now you can sing with the angels because your spot with them is well earned and deserved.I know alot of people are going to be looking at this and if any of my freinds from the old chior days wanna get back in contact with me e-mail is [email protected]
Alfreda Simmons
April 3, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 2, 2007
Dear Mary, Sam and Horace, we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are glad to be numbered among the many people whose lives were touched by Turnbull. Memories of him are vivid from sharing a room in Judson Cross to singing together in the concert choir to admiring him conducting the Boys Choir of Harlem.
He made us proud to be fellow Tougaloo alumni. His example of excellence leaves a model for all of us to emulate. His big smile and warm personality stayed with him across the years and will remain in our memories of him.
May God continue to bless you all.
Sterling S. Thompson '67 and Barbara Garrett Thompson '69
Terry Wilson
April 2, 2007
I am very sorry for your loss and I hope your memories comfort you in your time of sadness
Carolyn Walker-Henderson
April 2, 2007
We extend our sincere sympathy to the Turnbull Family. Walter has always been an inspiration to me. He will forever be in our hearts. May God continue to bless each of you.
Ronnie Young
April 2, 2007
It always make me proud to know that someone I know has progressed in their chosen profession. I've had a few opportunities to witness the GREATNESS of Walter Jake during his career with the Boys Choir. The blessings of God was shared with Walter that he shared with those young men that will last a life time. My compassion to you the family in this time of of your sadness. "My God continue to BLESS EACH OF YOU."
Coleman High Class of 1967.
Tommy James
April 2, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Queen Esther, Sheila & Jimmy Washington
April 2, 2007
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Surely, the heavens are rejoicing over the return of one of their saints. May God bless each of you, and we pray your strength. All of the work that he has done will speak for him through the many lives that he has touched.
Honoray Ard
April 2, 2007
With sincere condolences to the family, continue to know that GOD knows best. I had the benefit of meeting and performing with Dr. Turnbull while under the directions of Larry Robinson. My experience left me with the only word i could find to express my appreciation, WOW! Dr. Turnbull was that WOW! Thanks for the inspirations.
Juanita Rodgers
April 2, 2007
April 2-2007
Mary Frances, Horace and Samuel;
Our prayers are that you soon receive God's Touch of healing love. Thus, Remembering that God has a purpose for each of us. Walter Jake filled his "Purpose." So there was nothing left to do. His light was not hidden under a bush. It shone bright, from the MS Delta through out the World.
Love from our family
Easter Courtney
April 2, 2007
"May your work you've done speak for you eternally." Blessings and prayers to your family.
Thomas Armstrong
April 2, 2007
As a fellow Tougalooian I knew Walter as a quite and gentle warrior that was destined for greatness.
Henry Armstrong
April 2, 2007
As a high school friend then a college roomate for four years.I am proud that my life was touched by Walter. It is a sad time and I'm so sorry that such a wonderful person was called to God, so soon.
Willie (Billy) and Rosie Thomas Bailey
April 2, 2007
We extend our sincere sympathy and prayers to the Turnbull family. Please know that Walter made all Greenvillians proud and may your remembrance of his many great contributions to the entire world comfort you during your bereavement.
Joan Trumpauer Mulholland
April 2, 2007
Our loss is Heaven's gain. I'll rejoice for what we had here on Earth for awhile--a friend who stayed a friend thru the years, a generously shared talent and an unfailing inspiration.
Rose Hayes
April 2, 2007
ToThe Turnbull Family
Our prayers are with you during this period. Always remember that
happy moments, we shoulld praise God. Difficuolt moments, see God.
Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, Trust God. Every
moment, thank God.
James and Rose Hayes
Marie Ford
April 2, 2007
Our prayers are with our family and your many friends. We have always admired your gift and the method in which you shared with others.
Cousins in Greenville, MS
Clay D. Moore, Marie J. Ford, A.J. Smith, Willie D. Moore, Leedell Moore
Rev Dr.Archie Smith, D.D.
April 2, 2007
GOD PLACES JEWELS AMONG US, AND WE NEVER TRUELY KNOW HOW SPECIAL THEY WERE UNTIL THEY ARE GONE. WALTER TURNBULL WILL TRUELY BE MISSED.
Leonia Dorsey
April 1, 2007
"A Soldier Gone Home". Walter was truly a courageous soldier, a servant and a friend to many. He paid his dues, he did well, and now he is at rest. I remember Walter with respect and admiration for the great work of development of young men in the area of music.
Doris Browne
April 1, 2007
To the Turnbull fammily - May God's grace shine upon you during your time of sorrow. With deepest sympathy. (Tougaloo, Class of 1964)
John Page (Tougaloo Class of 1964)
April 1, 2007
I was indeed saddened to hear of the passing of Walter Jake. I'll always remember him from Tougaloo College and later as the genius who established the Boys Choir of Harlem. An Eaglet has flown to direct a choir up above.
Sonya Johnson
April 1, 2007
Dr. Turnbull,
You gave me voice and a family of amazing boys.
My thoughts of you are all love.
Well done.
I'll love you always, my mentor and hero.
Sonya Johnson
April 1, 2007
You are an international treasure.
I'll always love you.
Bobbie L Boulware
April 1, 2007
Walter was the greatest of talents. His legacy with the Boys Choir will be forever monumental. As his accompanist for six years, I was blessed to hear the other half of the legend: that beautiful tenor voice. Rest in peace dear friend.
George Shirley
March 31, 2007
Walter Turnbull was a giant whose dedication to children and to music was reified in the birth of the Boys and Girls Choirs of Harlem. He, in the same vein as Dorothy Maynor and Arthur Mitchell, made place for the talented young people of Harlem, challenging them to alter false constructs of self and accept nothing less than perfection in their efforts to grow and fulfill their potential.
It was my privilege to serve as one of Walter's singing teachers, and to be included amongst the members of the first board of directors of the Boys Choir. I have since had the satisfaction of seeing graduates of the Boys Choir enter the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and achieve success in their studies.
The loss of my friend Walter is an enormous blow to the welfare of countless young citizens of the Harlem community who would have benefited from his vision and his dedication to their nascent development. I pray his legacy will be vigorously perpetuated by those wise enough to appreciate the depth of his understanding of the power of music to feed the soul and prepare it for accomplishment in diverse areas of endeavor. I pray his compassion for those whose lot it is to carry our people into the future will be sustained with unabated fervor; the death of Walter's dream would pile tragedy upon tragedy, and we as a people cannot afford the loss of any advantage given us from above.
My respects and profound sympathy, combined with those of my wife Gladys, go out to Horace and to the rest of the Turnbull family, as well as to Walter's "children," the members and alumni of his Choirs.
May Walter rest in a well-deserved peace, knowing that his work has not been, and will not be in vain.
With love and respect,
George Shirley
J. E. Maddy Distinguished University Professor of Music (Voice)
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Barbara Donald
March 31, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family of Walter Turnbull. I will remember seeing him conduct the Boys Choir in San Francisco at the Opera house in the late 1990's.It was a wonderful sight for sore eyes in which I will never forget.
Mary Wells Davis
March 30, 2007
My family and I deeply regret the death of Walter Jake Turnbull. Our sincere condolences are expressed to Mary, Sammie, Horace (Eunice), and to the entire Turnbull and extended families in Germany and thoroughout the Sates. May God's consoling Spirit comfort you and keep you today and throughout the days to come as only He can. Sending our love...
Stanley, Mary, and Stanitia Davis
Freida L. Wheaton, Esq.
March 30, 2007
Thank you for making all Tougalooans and Mississippians proud. We claimed you! We love you. Rest in peace. Tougaloo Class of '75
Shirley Byers ('75)
March 30, 2007
My prayers are with your family and you for your loss. May God give you strength during during this time, and lift your hearts in the days and nights to come with your memories of Mr. Turnbull.
John Milton Wesley
March 30, 2007
Dear Mary, Samuel,& Horace:
If my body of work has half the positive impact on the lives of children that your brother's did, I will then consider myself a success. The world knows how much he was a role model in New York, only we know how much he was a role model in Mississippi.
All the best,
John Milton Wesley
Doris E. (Durr) Ross, Tougaloo College '75
March 30, 2007
Turnbull Family: Remember ... To God be the glory.
Willie Roy Rogers Sr.
March 30, 2007
To The Family,
I was deeply affected by the passing of Walter. Walter and you all have a rich musical heritage
that I have shared from our days at Tougaloo and growing up in Miss.
Mary Hoskins Coleman
March 30, 2007
Walter was a gifted artist who was blessed by God! Love to his family! May God bless you and give you peace.
Malcolm P. Taylor and Joyce Gwendolyn Bartley Taylor
March 30, 2007
Our sincere sympathies to the entire Turnbull family. We enjoyed Walter's great talent while at college and always took pride in claiming him whenever he appeared on TV, in newspapers, magazines, etc.
He contributed immensely to our entire country, especially the youth. Walter's life greatly honors our beloved Tougaloo College.
Bishop James Springfield, Jr.
March 29, 2007
And They Shall Rest from Their Labor and Their Works Do follow Them.
Leatha Bennett
March 29, 2007
A TC eaglet flies to his heavenly home. My family and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Turnbull family. Walter's melodic tenor voice resounded from the within the walls of historic Woodworth Chapel to the Vatican and beyond. As a ninth grader in 1966, I was moved by his gigantic operatic tenor voice as it encompassed Woodworth Chapel where I later sang in the Tougaloo choir.
The Harlem Boys Choir, his legacy to this nation and to the world, filled the hearts of many with songs of praise and love. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Leatha M. Bennett-Henson
Class of '72
Ben & Ann Marie Turner Shepherd
March 29, 2007
Mary, Sam, and Horace, your brother, Walter, left a rich legacy on this earth. As fellow Tougalooians and Mississippians, you are in our thoughts and prayers during your bereavement.
Doris Griffith Bridgeman '69
March 29, 2007
To the Family and Friends of Walter Turnbull:
He brought us together as Tougalooians on several occasions with his melodious voice, the voices of the young people he inspired and encouraged, and his kind, positive demeanor through the years. Now, as God has planned, he has helped so many of us come together again as we celebrate his life. Please accept this sincere note of condolence, love and concern for you at this "special" time in your lives. I realize that mere words cannot soften your sorrow, but I do want to express to you my deepest sympathy and the hope that the kind wishes of friends and other loved ones will make your grief just a little easier to bear. I am confident that when time has softened the severity of the blow, the many pleasant memories of the times you spent with him will be a source of great comfort. My prayers are constantly with you.
Jerry W. Ward, Jr.
March 29, 2007
Walter shall dwell in our memory of a Tougaloo College alumnus who achieved greatness.
Edgar E. & Inez O Smith
March 29, 2007
To the members of the family, please know that Walter Turnbull made a difference.
Ernestine Martin
March 29, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
L R Adams
March 29, 2007
My sincere sympathies to the Turnbull family, Walter truly had a gift. It is a rare man that can recruit boys and young men to sing praise to the Lord. This takes a special person and a person with strong faith and a lot of Soul.
As we all know, it is the Soul that God takes home.
Foda Sherrod (Taylor)
March 29, 2007
My Fondest memories with Walter was in the Coleman HighSchool Glee Club. I always looked up to him, he sung with such perfection and inspiration.
He will be missed.
Foda Taylor (Sherrod) Greenville, MS
Jackie Dotson Anderson
March 29, 2007
R. I. P.
Thelma Raglin-Coleman
March 29, 2007
Walter's living certainly was not in vain. He contributed greatly to the youth of this nation. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. We will all miss him. CL '72
[email protected]
Dorothy Bankhead Jemison
March 29, 2007
I shall always remember Walter for his dynamic singing and personality.
I extend my deepest sorrow to his loved ones.
Lynda Woods Cleary
March 29, 2007
I began my studies at Tougaloo College the year that Walter Turnbull founded The Boys Choir of Harlem and it affirmed all that I knew then and now about the possibilities, probabilities and realities of life in the United States of America.
Barbara Suarez
March 29, 2007
Sincere sympathy to the Turnbull Family. Blessings and comfort during this time of breavement. May the good Lord sustain you.
Grace & Peace,
Sophia L. Shields
March 29, 2007
To my classmates-Mary Francis, Horace and Sammy...I pray that you allow God's sustaining grace to carry you through this difficult time. Class of '66' Coleman High School.
Iris Zorrilla
March 29, 2007
We will all miss you Dr. Turnbull. I am greatfull that I had the oppotunity in being part of your dream which was the boys choir of Harlem that then led to the girls choir of Harlem. Because of you I have learned and experienced so much. Thank You.
Regina L. Nix
March 29, 2007
Mr Turnbill will surly be directing a choir in Heaven!!! Such talent never goes to unnoticed by God.
Joyce Ladner
March 29, 2007
I shall always remember Walter Turnbull when we were students at Tougaloo College, and later when he brought the Boys Choir to the Kennedy Center to perform. He was always the same...the gentle giant who created a peerless legacy of service to our children and the nation. May his family seek comfort in his good works.
Fernanda O. Parish, MS, LMFT, CFAE, Class of 1995
March 29, 2007
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Bobby Smith
March 29, 2007
Walter and I grow up togeather, his life has touched the lives of many. He indeed has made a difference and will be missed.
Victoria Davis-Green,'81
March 29, 2007
Sharing Your Loss...As one candle lights another, may the memories and legacy of your loved one's life bring warmth, comfort and illumination to your heart.
Deepest Sympathy
Abdul-Rahmaan & Sahirah Kameela (Andrew & Pat) Muhammad
March 29, 2007
"From the Creator we all come and to the Creator we all must return."
Walter and the Trunbull Family have been very close to me and my family. I will alway remember Walter as a Man concerned about his family. He encouraged me to hire his younger brother Sam, I also worked with his sister Mary and worked for his brother Horace.
Having been in the chior at with Walter and in the Judson Cross Dorm with him, I will always remember our great times together at Tougaloo, in New York and places around the country where we were blessed to connect.
To the family we send our love. We all will forever thank you for your gret talent and contributions to humanity. WALTER OUR LOVE WILL FOREVER BE WITH YOU...
Richard & Jo Ellen HOUSE III
March 29, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Beverly Hogan
March 29, 2007
It was simply a pleasure to know Walter Turnbull. He brought such great honor and recognition to Tougaloo College as one of the living messages the College sent into the future. His work, his commitment to excellence and his quest to lift every voice spoke volumes about the lessons learned from his family and his beloved alma mater, Tougaloo College. A great life like Walter's never dies but will live on in the hearts nd minds of the lives he touched. I will never experience the singing of a choir and the movements of a director without bearing witness to the memory of this gentle giant who I was proud to call my friend as well as fellow Tougalooian.
The Tougaloo College family is deeply saddened by our earthly loss. Our faith gives us that peace that comes with understanding that Walter has been called to direct another choir that is lead by a more masterful artist than he and under whose guidance the voices of music can be heard daily by all of us who pause to listen.
Beverly W. Hogan
President
Tougaloo College
J. Kenneth Thompson
March 29, 2007
My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Dr. Turnbull at this difficult time of sorrow. What a Great Loss. He was definitely a GIANT in the World of Music and will be sorely missed by many. May his legacy carry on indefinitely.
Dr. Chas Cheatham
March 29, 2007
On Behalf of the Los Angeles Episcopal Chorale and Canon Dr.Chas Cheatham, Founder/Director, We thank you Mr.Turnbull for your wonderful and inspiring music. May peace and comfort be with the Turnbull family.
Jessie Lee Sherrod,MD,MPH,FAAP
March 29, 2007
Mary,Eunice,Horace and Sam, may melodious memories of Walter's many contributions and service to mankind through his talent, exemplified at Coleman High School, Tougaloo College and extended through the Boys Choir of Harlem, comfort you and lessen the greif of his transition. I am grateful for hearing him one last time at Tougaloo's Class of '71 Reunion in May,2006. His great legacy is extraordinary, supreme and everlasting. With deepest sympathy,
Kay Sullivan
March 28, 2007
Dr. Turnbull will be remembered for sharing is talents and gifts with children in his community and throughout the world. His legacy shall live forever.
Trustee Carrie Lapsky Davis
March 28, 2007
Walter, you gave from the heart unconditional love. You touched the lives of so many BOYS and GIRLS. You are leaving a legacy of GIVING SOMETHING BACK. What good is ones life if one cannot say,"I helped someone along the journey." MAY THE HEAVENLY KINDGOM BE YOURS!
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The Five Stages of Grief
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