Dr. Andrew Turner

Dr. Andrew Turner
May 16, 1946 – September 20, 2025

Andrew was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 16, 1946, to John Lemia and Florence Brown Turner. He was their middle child and only son. The family eventually moved to Lutcher, LA, his father's hometown, where Andrew attended and graduated from Cypress Grove School, the only public school for African-American children on the east bank of St. James Parish.

Andrew and his sisters were raised in the church and developed a deep love for the Lord. When they weren't learning Bible verses, they spent joyful hours playing with their cousins. Summers were often spent in DeQuincy, LA, with their great-grandmother, while their mother pursued her college degree. Family was always a central part of Andrew's life and held great importance to him.

After graduating high school, Andrew was one of very few Black students selected to integrate LSU. He then transferred to Dillard University, following his older sister, where he continued the family tradition of attending an HBCU, a path first taken by their mother. While at Dillard, Andrew was an active member of the NAACP and the Chess Club. In 1968, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Theta Sigma Chapter, further deepening his campus involvement and leadership.

While attending Dillard University, Andrew experienced a life-changing moment-he met the love of his life, Iris Archie, a nursing student from Slidell, LA. Their connection blossomed during their college years, and after both graduated with bachelor's degrees in science, they were united in marriage on August 28, 1971. The couple then moved to Washington, DC, where Andrew earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Howard University. After completing his doctorate, he was hired by Eastman Kodak, where he spent the majority of his professional career in various leadership and management roles. He later returned to school and earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

During this time, the Turner family began to grow. Andrew and Iris welcomed their first son, Andre Tyrone, followed by JaMone Rene and Brandon Christopher, affectionately referred to as "The Boys." It was Andrew's desire to ensure his boys had the best of everything: opportunities, education, and exposure. He became very active in the Boy Scouts and assisted over 30 young men in becoming Eagle Scouts, including his own son, Brandon.

While working for Kodak and living in the Rochester area, Andrew was a member of Toastmasters, loved photography (as evidenced by the number of photo albums in the Turner home), and enjoyed playing golf. At Memorial AME Zion Church, Andrew recognized the need for greater fellowship among the men. He responded by founding the Men's Ministry, where he remained a dedicated leader for many years. Following his retirement from Eastman Kodak, Andrew worked for the City of Rochester as Chief of Accountability and as a consultant until a fall in 2010 precluded him from continuing.

In his later years, although Andrew was no longer able to participate in many of the activities he once enjoyed, he remained mentally and socially engaged. He kept up with current events, often adding his own insightful commentary to the news, spent meaningful time in conversation with loved ones and friends, and generously shared his life experiences with those around him.

Andrew's earthly journey came to a peaceful end on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death and is now reunited with his parents and his two sisters, Augustine Turner Fields and Joan Turner. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Iris Archie Turner; three sons: Andre Turner (Ayanay), JaMone Turner, and Brandon Turner; five grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Easter (George), Gianna Iris Turner, Alyceah Faith Turner, Amari Grace Turner, and Quinton Ochora Turner; one great-grandchild, Elliott Philip Easter; two brothers-in-law, Donald Archie (Suzette) and Alvin Fields as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved family members who will carry on his legacy and memory.

Andrew gave of himself in all areas of his life: his family, his community, his career, and his church. He enjoyed life to the fullest and has left a legacy of love for all of us to follow.