Elder Helen Turner

Mrs. Elder Helen Ruth Turner, age 87, of Flint, MI passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Funeral service will be held 11:30 AM, Monday, March 30, 2026 at New Jerusalem Full Gospel Church, 1035 E. Carpenter Rd., Flint, MI 482505. Family will receive visitor from 10:00 AM until the start of the service Monday. Burial in Lovedale Cemetery, Burton, MI. Pastor Alfred Harris Jr. officiating. Helen was born on August 15, 1938 in Olmstead, Illinois to the late Walter and Pearl Cooper. At a young age she accepted Christ as her lord and Savior beginning a life long journey of faith, service and devotion to God. Helen was a proud graduate of Flint Northern High School. On October 20, 1955 she was united in marriage to Harold J. Turner. From this union three children were born. Helen was a devoted wife and a loving mother whom cherished her family deeply. Her professional career let her into fashion and retail industry where she excelled as a fashion coordinator and sales manager at with Lerners Shop, a distinguished women's department store. She was also employed for Fashion Bug, and Three Sisters, leaving a lasting impression at each establishment through her excellent style and dedication. Helen had many passions that brought joy to her life, including cooking, crafting, gardening, shopping and traveling abroad. She especially treasured time spent with her family during holidays and gatherings. Affectionately known as "Aunt Bobo" by her nieces, Helen's warmth and love extended to all that knew her. A member of New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church, Helen remained a faithful until her passing. One of her greatest spiritual achievements was becoming an Ordained Elder under the late Pastorate of Bishop Otis Floyd. She served diligently in numerous ministries, including the outreach ministry, United Women of New Jerusalem. Helen also taught Sunday School and was a devoted prayer warrior on the prayer line and was part of the Day Mission. She was a mentor, spiritual advisor and event planner; she was known for wisdom, resilience, love and deep reverence for God. Her generous spirit and gift of giving were unmatched and she had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued and loved. Helen often reminded those around her that, "obedience is better than sacrifice"! Helen's favorite scripture was Isaiah 54:17, "No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper". She is survived by daughter La Tonya Turner, Terrance (Jody) Franklin of Flint, grandchildren Mercedes Irvin and Quinton Moore of Detroit, MI, Jermaine Irvin Jr. and Ojanae Hairston of Flint, Damon Franklin of Flint, Tekeia Franklin of Flint and Travor Buford, great grandchildren Faith, A'Amni, Destanle Neal, Markquavione Jones, Quinmir Moore and Kali Kash Moore of Detroit, MI, Noah Irvin, Naima, Damani, Esmond, and Emory Franklin, 3 nieces Gail Cooper, Donna Walker, Barbara Smith, one nephew Brandon Turner. Mrs. Turner was preceded in death by her parents Pear (Woods) Walker and Walter Walker, husband Harold J. Turner, children Cheryl Turner, and Craig Turner, grandson Kendrick Holley, sisters Margarett and Ray Gillard, Bessie Walker, Alma Cooper, Ruth Kale and Janet McWilliams, brother James Walker. Special Thank you to McLaren Hospices, Edan Safe Living, especially caregiver Carolyn Bell, Davite Dialysis of Flushing, Ride to Wellness and Pastor Dr. Melton Harvey and Vessel of God Ministries.