Beulah Mae Turk

In Remembrance of Beulah Mae Turk

After a long and full life that spanned more than 10 decades, Beulah Mae (Hill) Turk peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Mansfield, Ohio, with family by her side. She was 102-years-old.

Born to the late James Alexander Hill, "affectionately known as Major," and the late Lilly (Rabun) Hil on February 14, 1922 in Evergreen, Alabama, she was raised on a farm with her ten siblings; Orabel, Eva Lee, Lilie Bell, Desadie, Lela Mae, Wilis, Edward, James, Lewis, and John.

During her youth, she learned how to keep a garden as well as grow a wide range of vegetables including Collard Greens, tomatoes, and peppers.

After graduating from high school, Beulah settled down and became a wife and home-maker and continued to grow her family, birthing three sons, Lenard, Elester and Howard, in the process. She later lived with her eldest son Lenard, and daughter-in-love Sarah and their children in Detroit, Michigan.

Shortly after putting down roots in Mansfield, the gifted gardener was known throughout her former Lilly Street neighborhood, for her delicious and fiery, southern-style, Chow, Chow as well as the other bounty of vegetables she grew in her backyard. People would often stop by to pick up a jar.

In addition to being an avid gardener, Beulah was an active part of a senior citizen's group that met at the former Mansfield Opportunities Industrialization Center (MOIC) on Bowman Street, in the early 90’s, The group provided an additional outlet for Beulah to make new friends and further foster a sense of community within walking distance of her Lilly Street home.

Beulah enjoyed getting her nails done, which were often impeccably polished in some of her favorite colors. She also loved collecting dolls and enjoyed eating desserts, especially chocolate.

This year, Richland Source, covered the feisty centenarian's 102nd birthday celebration at Liberty Nursing Home. Friends, family, and the general public were asked to send cards to the beloved, Beulah to help her celebrate the major milestone.

 Surrounded by the staff, she reportedly remarked, " it didn't matter one way or another," if some of her family members were late to her party as long as she got a piece of the birthday cake, which was sitting on the counter.

Known for her quick-wit and fun-loving nature, she was often described as a riveting story-teller. Beulah often shared her compelling memories of growing up on a farm with her large family in the deep south, with her friends and family including her niece, Lilly (Don) Culliver, who has not only helped not only keep track of Beulah's migration from Alabama, but also a history of the family tree.

Beulah is survived by her five grand-children Anthony (Jackie) Feagin of Virginia, Beach; Virginia, Rose Marie Feagin of Ontario, Michelle (Courtney) Avery of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Bridget (Sixto) Rodriguez of Mansfield, and Kimberly Perkins Boyd of Cleveland.

Beulah was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, she was also preceded in death by her three sons Lenard Feagin, Elester Feagin, and Howard Hill. She was additionally preceded in death by grandsons, Bernard Feagin and Sean Tucker.

She also leaves to mourn a host of loved ones including nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Plus, daughter-in-law Rosa (Feagin) Perkins, who often cooked many of her favorite meals. In addition to great-granddaughter Amya Perkins Boyd, who also assisted with her feeding and care-taking.