Nancy M. Turner

" For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalms 84:10
Nancy M. Turner will always be remembered as a kind, compassionate person who was a friend to many.
Nancy Loved the Lord. Her favorite scriptures were in The Psalms of The Bible.
Nancy loved serving in the church: Singing in the choir, Ushering, Serving as the church secretary.
Nancy was inducted into the Rhode Island Honor Society Class of 1956. She was a strong student
Nancy was an avid reader, she especially loved romance and mystery novels.
Nancy was a tap dancer, performing in musicals and dancing at the "Sox Hops" while in high school.
Nancy enjoyed sharing a good joke and making her friends laugh.
Nancy had strong opinions and was never afraid to express herself.
Nancy enjoyed bowling with the church league, and attending Sunday School.
Nancy loved to knit and crochet, a craft she learned from her mother Elsie.
Nancy was an entrepreneur with her "Avon Calling" business serving hundreds of customers for over 35 years.
Nancy loved her family and took great pride in her two granddaughters Mackenzie and Janae.
On the eve of Thursday, October 2, 2025 Nancy finished her earthly assignment. Nancy was called HOME to her perfect rest after waging a courageous battle with a fast moving cancer.
Nancy Mae Gray was born on Saturday, April 15,1939 to Clarence and Elsie (Spence) Gray of Newport, Rhode Island. Nancy grew up with her sister Joan Elaine and brother Donald Arthur Gray.
Nancy was raised in the church. At age 13 Nancy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Newport, RI by Pastor William L. Cooper. Rev. Cooper and his family became life long friends.
Nancy graduated from Rogers High School Class of 1956 along with her life long friend Lily Williams Carter. Lily remembers that Nancy and she never had a cross word and supported one another all along their life's journey. Lily said that Nancy always wanted her plans to go well. Right out of high school Nancy was selected to work as a secretary in the Coroner's Office at Newport Hospital.
Nancy married Wilbert Taylor, on June 28, 1958. Wilbert was a Navy sailor. He was introduced to Nancy by Nick Nichols. Sadly, Wilbert passed away 22 months into this young marriage. Cyd Nichols introduced Nancy to her second husband William Magee Turner. They were married on November 17, 1967 and remained married for 58 years until the time of Magee's death. Together Nancy and Magee raised three children: Sharon Lynn Taylor, Michael Allen Taylor, and Donna Marie Turner.
Nancy shared many activities with her children. She would chaperone girl scouts trips and projects with her daughters. Michael remembers going to the movies on Saturdays, and her volunteering in the Pierce School Library. His friends would tease him and say, "Michael, your mother is here."
Nancy joined Myrtle Baptist Church in 1967 and has been a devoted church member serving on the Usher Board for nearly 50 years. Nancy also sang with the Voices of Myrtle. She enjoyed the bowling league and luncheons with The Elders of Color.
Nancy went to work for the Newton Public Schools, after her children were all in school, as a secretary in the Administration Building. She retired from that position after 25 years of service, having made many good friends whom she remained in contact with during her retirement years.
Nancy was predeceased by her two husbands, Wilbert Taylor, and William Magee Turner; her parents Clarence and Elise Gray; and a niece Christina Marie Yates.
Nancy leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Sharon Lynn Taylor, Michael Allen Taylor and Donna Marie Turner, all of Newton, MA. Her beloved granddaughters Mackenzie Ranee Wynn - Nashville, TN, and Janae Jordan Turner - Newton, MA. Sister Joan E. Rozario (Joaquin, Jack) - Newton, MA; brother Donald A. Gray (Lorry Nelson) - Methuen, MA; Nephew John Rozario - Newton, MA; Niece Joanne Y. Smith (Jonathan) - Washington Crossing, PA.
Nancy, Ma, Mother, Nonnie, Aunt Nancy, Mrs. Turner, My Second Mother - the warm spirit and unbreakable bond of love that you held for each of us will forever guide and inspire us. Your legacy will live on through each of us. We will carry forward your light and spirit as we continue our own life's journey.
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the Lord, "He is my refuge
And my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust"".
Psalms 91:1-2