Emily Staley Turner

Emily Staley Turner has resided in the Greater Hartford area for 71 years. She was born on September 6, 1936, in Blackville, South Carolina to the parents of Herman Staley, Sr. and Geneva Thomas Staley, the 5th of 11 children born to this union. Her parents relocated to Ocala (Marion County), Florida in 1937. She received her religious education at Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala, where she accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age, under the leadership of Reverend Oliver Van Pinkston. Emily attended Marion County Public Schools and graduated with honors from Howard Academy/Howard High School, Class of 1954. Upon graduation, she married James Turner, Sr., and after their honeymoon in Hartford, Connecticut, they made this their home. They started a family of five children in 1955 and devoted their lives to raising their three daughters and two sons in a close-knit Christian family. James was blessed to be the sole provider for his family, including providing the education for all their children. All five earned college degrees (Hampton University, Delaware State, North Carolina Central, Case Western Reserve, Cheyney University and Bradley University). James and Emily were inseparable for 52 years of marriage until his death in 2006.

Emily will be remembered as a highly intelligent and very devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to all who knew and loved her. Anyone who has ever been blessed to come in contact with her will always remember her heart-warming smile and happy and welcoming demeanor. Emily was a humble servant to her family, church family, and her community. She enjoyed traveling, cooking delicious meals, and spending time with her loving extended family and friends.

Emily has been a very active and long-time member of Bethel AME Church in Bloomfield, CT, where she faithfully served in various capacities under the leadership of Rev. Jethro Shields (1948-1970), Rev. Melvin Campbell (1970-1978), Rev. Dr. Alvan Johnson (1978-2008), Rev. Ron McCune (2008 to 2013) and current pastor, Rev. Daylan K. Greer, Sr. Her service included Choir President, overseeing all details of church bus trips, and volunteering at the Bethel Center for Humane Services. She has been a part of Bethel AME's travel to every state between Massachusetts and Virginia. Emily whole-heartedly supported the church in any and all of its endeavors and events, including the hosting of the Boston/Hartford Conference in 2013 and the 165th Session of the New England Annual Conference of the AME Church in 2016.

Emily peacefully transitioned from her earthly journey to the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, at John Dempsey Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, one grandchild, a daughter-in-law, four brothers, two nephews, one niece, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, James W. Turner, Jr. of Trumbull, CT and Dwayne Turner of Indianapolis, IN; three daughters: Sandra Turner Carter (William) of Savannah, GA, Brenda Turner of West Hartford, CT, and Beverly Turner of Bloomfield, CT; one brother, Albert Staley(Deborah) of Dalzell, SC and four sisters: Mary Staley Willis of Jacksonville, FL, Elvira Staley Washington and Mary Staley Rice both of Ocala, FL, and Arlinda Staley-Amos of Valrico, FL.; five grandchildren, Sunsheray Turner Carter, (Louis ) Jacqueline Thomas, Brittany Carter-Frazier (Justin), Joshua and Justin Turner; three great-grandchildren: Jaxon Frazier, Royce Turner, Eli Turner, as well as a host of many relatives and friends.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all guests, friends and loved ones for celebrating the life of Emily Staley Turner and loving her. May God bring you peace and understanding.