Bettye Jean Turner

Bettye Jean Turner was born on January 12, 1936, in Lexington, MS to the late Herbert G. and L. Bernice Pickett. She was one of eight children.
Bettye, affectionately called Pudding by her siblings, moved with her family to Gary, IN. She was educated in the Gary Public School System, graduated from Roosevelt High School, and furthered her education at Indiana University Northwest.
In 1951 Bettye met Beryl, who was the love of her life. She went to a church meeting one night and saw him praising the Lord. He noticed her as well, and they courted for four years before being joined in holy matrimony in 1955. To this union was born three children - Julia Arnetta, Donna Bernice and Beryl Jackson, III. They were together on this earth for 68 years, married for 64 years, and are now resting together in the arms of Jesus.
Bettye was a long-time employee of Gary Hobart Water Company (now Indiana American Water) as a relief clerk and administrator. She also served three terms as union president to ensure employee rights were upheld. She retired from the Water Company early to spend more time with her loving husband. They actually retired on the same day.
Mother Bettye J Turner was born and raised in the Church of God in Christ. She was a faithful member of Love Feast COGIC where she served on the Mother's Board as treasurer, and on occasion, spokesperson. Mother Turner was also a faithful servant of the Communion Ministry and one of the church's Sermonic Soloists. She was not only faithful to her home church, when she was younger she served as pianist to several other churches including New Sardis Baptist Church in Gary. Bettye was also a member of The Holy Gospel Singers, who were often invited to sing at musicals in the NW Indiana Region.
Mother Turner was very modest and never boasted of her many gifts and talents. Most know that she was a beautiful songbird with an angelic voice. In addition, Bettye was a self-taught pianist who played by ear. She later learned to read music and taught piano to several children. Bettye enjoyed furniture restoration, gardening and painting. A collection of some of her works, along with her sister's works (LaVerne Freeman) were displayed at Gary Public Library.
Bettye was an excellent cook and baker. She made the best chicken & dumplings, fricassee chicken, spaghetti, pound cake, german chocolate cake and pineapple cheesecake you could possibly imagine, always fresh and never from a box.
On Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 89, Bettye was peacefully called home by God to rest in the arms of Jesus. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories her daughter Donna B. Turner (Gary, IN); sisters Dorothy L. (John) Stewart (Oakland, CA), Mary A. (Johnny) Nance (Merrillville, IN); grandchildren Grayson L. Turner, Sr (Houston, TX), Brittany R. Turner (Portage, IN), Erin M. Grant (Fairfield, CA), Braxton J. (Beatriz) Turner (North Las Vegas, NV), Austin J. Grant (Modesto, CA); great and great-great grandchildren Mailen, Xaphon, Zaden, Amana, Serenity, Jaylani & Ayanna, and a host of nieces & nephews.
She also leaves to cherish her memory son-in-law LaMar Grant; daughter-in-law Brandi Martin; dear friends Mo. Glorietta Dixon, Cynthia Kennedy and Vanessa Banks.
Bettye was preceded in death by husband Beryl J. Turner, Jr,; parents Herbert Pickett & L. Bernice Pickett Berry Hill; brothers Charles Pickett, Sr; Reginald Pickett, Ernest Berry, Jr.; sisters LaVerne Freeman, Madeline Cole; daughter Julia A. Grant; son Beryl J. Turner, III; great-grandchildren Grayson L. Turner, Jr., My'an A. Mack.
Mother Bettye J Turner was kind, soft spoken, giving, family oriented and always willing to assist in any way she could. She loved beyond measure. She praised God openly. She was a prayer warrior, and dedicated wife, a loyal daughter, a confidant to her siblings, a nurturing mother & grandmother, and a true friend. Her presence will be missed, but her love will remain in our hearts.
Bettye's Homegoing Celebration will be on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Love Feast COGIC, 2456 Chase St, Gary, IN., Pastor Clarence J. Harris, Sr officiating.
Viewing and Visitation will be at 9:00 am and the service will begin at 11:00 am.
Internment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park in Hobart, Indiana.
Professional Services rendered by Powell Coleman Funeral Home.