Nora Sims Turner

Without warning, death plucked a flower from our garden. In the wee hours of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Nora Irene Sims Turner was called from earth to Heaven's reward. Nora was the matriarch of the family, and the loss of our "rock" is truly heartfelt. Until the end of her life, she maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, love of family and friends, and showed gratitude for her long life, full of wonderful experiences.
Nora was born in Fort Pierce, Florida on January 29, 1948, to the late John and (Ruth) Irene Sims. She was the youngest of thirteen children. St. Simon's Episcopal Church, which her parents and other family members helped found, was Nora's forever church home. She loved the Lord and sought to please Him. She attended St. Simon's, faithfully, in honor of those who founded the church for that purpose. She was a member of the Episcopal Church Women, Free Spirit Choir, and Daughters of the King groups. She also taught Sunday school. She knew all the hymns and didn't need a hymn book. Nora was a true example of a real Christian woman. Her faith increased and held fast even up to the last minute of her earthly life. In the final month of her life, she was blessed with the opportunity to witness the baptism of her great grands: Layla, Cameron, McKenzie, and Cassen. Her heart was filled with joy, and it showed within her spirit.
Nora's basic education was completed in the public schools of St. Lucie County, and she graduated from Lincoln Park Academy in 1966. She pursued higher education at St. Augustine's College where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education, in 1970. This was a huge feat since three of her siblings tragically lost their lives during the time it took to complete her studies. She also welcomed her oldest child, Darrell, while attending college. Eventually, Nora met and married her beloved Kenneth, and to this union two children, Nichelle and Katina, were born. They remained married until his untimely passing in 2019. Nora stayed true to her vows and a promise that she made to her mother-in-law, Juanita, before she passed away in 1980.
After realizing her desire to shape the minds of the future, Nora pursued an additional Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University. She achieved that honor in 1980. That decision proved to be very rewarding, as she went on to positively influence the minds of many students and fellow educators.
Nora began her teaching career at Chester A. Moore Elementary School, in 1980. She remained there for 5 years before transitioning to Lawnwood Elementary. During her time as an educator, she created life-long friendships with many other teachers within the district and made a remarkable impact on those she taught. She was known for having the biggest heart while helping others grow as educators. Even after her retirement on January 31, 2014, she continued to communicate with and offer guidance to her former co-workers and students. Many still speak of their admiration for her involvement in shaping their lives.
Nora never hesitated to expose her immediate family and those who she took under her wings to culture, arts, and the community. She was a Girl Scout leader alongside Brenda Morgan, Karen Cleare, Cathy Williams, Harriette Jackson, and Carolyn Brown, where she had the opportunity to listen to, inspire, and support many youths. It is certain that the latter three and Nora are all rejoicing in Heaven, as they reminisce about the marvelous work (and shopping) they did while in the flesh.
On March 2, 1992, Nora became a member of Delta Sigma Theta. She was the "ace" of the line and was truly loved by her eight-line sisters. Throughout her life, Nora's works moved forward with fortitude, and she represented every aspect of Delta's morals and values.
It was often said that Nora's second calling was as a personal shopper. She always sought out the best discounts on name-brand clothing, shoes, and accessories. Her kids and grands were blessed by this ability. If you saw Nora anywhere in public, it was in her favorite stores: Denmark's, Burdines, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, Sam's Club, Publix, Polo Outlet, Bealls, etc. Even after battling breast cancer and gaining remission, Nora had the resiliency that many who are half her age wouldn't have had. She never stayed in one place and there was nothing that could be done to stop that.
Nora's unexpected passing has left a gaping hole in the hearts of family, friends, and everyone who crossed her path. Many have referenced her sweet spirit and that she has been a solid pillar in the family and community. She loved and adored her kids, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others whom she took under her wings! There was nothing that she wouldn't do for them. She made sure that they had adequate exposure to the community and the world, and that they never wanted anything. She displayed her love through her staples: shopping for friends/family, conch fritters, and banana bread. The outpouring of love that has been received since her passing has been beyond comforting.
Nora was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Turner; both parents, John and Irene Sims; seven brothers, John Sims, Jr. (Mary), Thomas Sims, Clifford Sims, David Sims (Geraldine), Louis Sims (Brenda), Gene Sims, and Henry Sims; two sisters, Alice Jackson (Willie) and Rovina Leverett (Robert); sisters-in-law, Donnie Sue Turner and Donnie Jean Turner; aunts, Naomi Henson (Nelson), Nora Skinner (Joseph), and Cora Knowles (William), Gene McCoy, and Agnes Martin; grandsons, Gary Green and DeKwuan Brown; nephews/nieces, Dwight "Salle" Sims, Gregory Jackson, Patricia Jackson, Willie Jackson, Jr. (Harriette), Dennis Jackson, Sr., and Phillip Jackson (Horestine); great niece, Yolanda Calhoun (Marcus); special cousin, Marie Anderson (Truman); special friend, Cathy Williams; dear cousin, Ruby (Tiny) Pratt; and her road-dawg, Harriette Jackson (Willie, Jr.)
Nora leaves to cherish her memory one son: Darrell Brown (Teya Williams); two daughters: Nichelle Turner and Katina Turner (Bravon Shaw); grandsons: Jordan Ewing, Louis McKenzie, III; granddaughters: Taylor McKenzie, Charla McKenzie, Darrielle Brown, and Nia Brown; great grandchildren: Jayden Gilchrist, Rometrius Hughes, Layla Townsend, Cameron Bradley, Jase Williams, McKenzie Townsend, Jordyn Williams, and Cassen Bradley; special daughter: Kimberly Turner; special son: Cedric Robinson; nieces/nephews, Gene Jackson (Charlotte), Kevin Jackson (Petrina), Karen Jackson-Cleare (Charles), Theodore Jackson (Clara), Brenda Sims, Thomas Sims, Jr., and Clarence Sims; cherished nieces: Brenda Morgan, Karen Cleare, and Assonia Sims; cherished great-niece/nephews: Ebony Jackson, Dennis Jackson (Davina), Timothy Sims, and Tyrone Sims; two brothers-in-law: Larry "L.T." Turner and Bernard Turner, Sr. (Teresa); one sister-in-law: Darcell "Ms. Doll" Collins; loving cousins: Adrianna Johnson (Roy), Anna Foster, Larry McCoggle (Trina), Marvin Knowles, Marian Pratt and Bloneva Taylor, and Joseph Richardson; "adopted" grandson: Jermain Joseph; special friends: Barbara Sims, Barbara Jackson-Bouie, Dianne Williams-Johnson, and Eva Williams-Pressley, Christine Jones, and Agnes Moore; special neighbors: Diane Darden and Stephan "Stoney" Townsend; road-dawgs/travel buddies: Jacqueline Young and Priscilla Love; and a HUGE host of close nieces, nephews, and sorrowing friends.