Grindal "Gwen" Turner

Gwendolyn Marie Turner, later Grindal, age 69, passed away on June 20, 2025. She was born on April 10, 1956, in Hollandale, MS to the union of the late Arthur James Turner II and Ruthie Lee Russell Turner.
Affectionately known as Gwen by her family and peers, she never met or knew a stranger. She welcomed most everyone.
Gwen was a community mother, advocate, and servant. She volunteered diligently and mentored underprivileged, impoverished, and abused women at both Women's Shelter and St. Margaret's House for many years. These were her causes dear to her heart.
She was very nurturing and giving. If you were hungry, you were fed. That woman could cook! If you needed temporary housing or clothes to wear, she would certainly help however she could.
Gwen loved God and her gospel music, for which she could be found listening to and enjoying to at the loudest decibels.
She was proud and had a quiet and unassuming sophistication about herself. She loved to dress up, polish her nails and wear her burgundy red lipstick.
Gwen was very witty, clever, and humorous. She had a way of building you up to the moon. But, if you crossed her, she would cut you off at the knees! She didn't bite her tongue and was always straightforward.
She was a mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, godmother, and friend. She was the glue of her family. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. She touched so many lives.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur II and Ruthie Turner; brother, Arthur James Turner Sr; grandmother, Frances I. Anderson; and grandfather, Rev. James Anderson.
Gwen leaves behind three children, Curtis Rashe Turner, Terrance Turner, and Ki-Esha Turner; five siblings, Lenora (Ervin) Wade, Curtis E. Turner, Debra Turner, Conswella Turner, and Tony Turner; grandchildren, Jayson Turner, Wisdom Turner, Robbie Duke Jr, Deshawn Griffen, and Terrance (TJ) Turner Jr. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, Syreeta, Misty, Ranika, Kerry, Demeya, Maruice, Arthur James (AJ) Turner lll, Ricco (Bubby) Brookins, Talisa, and LaShawn; a host of great-nieces and nephews; aunts, Bobbie Jean, and Ruth Ann; cousins, Michelle, Anthony, and Larsharette; and host of additional cousins and extended family.
A special mention goes out to her appointed godchildren, Shuvon, Tasha, Kiesha, Elijah, and Julianne.
An honorable mention goes out to her granddaughter, Alea'jiah Turner. Alea'jiah took care of her grandmother, Gwen, even until the end; and her great-grandchildren, whom she adored, Sincere (Buddy) Turner and DeMaia.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Second Baptist Church, 203 S. Paul St, Dowagiac. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac. Please visit Gwen's personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to her family at www.clarkch.com.