The Beginning

The life of Pastor Dr. William Henry Turner began on Sunday, November 4, 1920 in National City, Illinois. This beautiful baby was a gift sent to his parents Margaret Louise and William H. Turner, Sr., who both proceeded him in death. He was also proceeded in death by his wife of 64 years, whom he treasured, Mrs. Gladys Magnolia Chambers Turner, daughter, Mrs. Sheila Jackson, and brother Mr. Alfred Earl Lucas.

Formidable Education

William H. Turner , who was affectionately called "Wild Bill", received his education at Lovejoy Elementary and Lovejoy High School. He was a popular and handsome young man being as he played basketball with his late friend Bishop Claude Ratliff Sr. and sang in a chorus with the late Johnnie Ross and Robert Boatner.

Secondary Education and Military Service

William H. Turner continued his education and attended Universal Business College, majoring in Business and Mounds College, majoring in Reporting. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during the Korean War Era and was stationed on the East Coast at Fort Devens, MA. Bill later served a year at Fort Drum, near Watertown, NY.

Love and Marriage

During his time of service, William H. Turner proposed to the picturesque, and gorgeous Gladys Magnolia Chambers and expressed to her that is she wanted to get married, "Be on the next train." According to Turner, she got there so fast, "she must've taken the next lane." And on October 20, 1951 , in the living room of their home, they both made  commitment of marriage that lasted 64 years. To their union were four daughters, Sheila K. Turner-Jackson, Gina D. Turner, Lorna S. Turner-LaGrone, and Mia P. Turner. At 60 years of marriage, their daughters and family hosted a beautiful wedding/vow renewal for their parents.

Professional Career

William H. Turner worked for over 36 years for the federal government as an Inventory Management Specialist, traveling to the Pentagon monthly. He retired from his secular job at the age of 55. He loved his hometown community of Brooklyn, IL. After being the first black American family to live on their street in the gated community of Pasadena Hills for 38 years, Pastor Turner felt it was time to return and built a new home in his hometown. Upon his return, at the age of 80, he was elected a trustee of the Village of Brooklyn Board and served as a police commissioner.

Call To Salvation

During his youth, William H. Turner's grandmother, Mother Pearl Brown, lived a life of service to Christ before him. In January 1955, while at the Harlem Night Club, the Lord spoke three words, "Go to Church." He immediately went to Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he received his salvation. But Brother Turner longed for more. On March 13, 1955 he received the baptism of the Holy Ghost while attending a revival at Williams Temple COGIC. In May of that same year, Bishop Mason, the founder of the Church of God in Christ, baptized Brother Turner in the muddy Mississippi River. Under the leadership of Pastor William Edwards, William H. Turner joined the Brooklyn Sanctified Church and was appointed a deacon in 1958. He was known for his sanctified, holy dance.

Answering the Invitation to Ministry

In 1961, while listening to a 45rpm record of Bishop Mason's prayer, in the home of his Pastor William Edwards, William H.  Turner was slain to the floor and asked by the Lord, "Will You Preach?"

After being asked three times, William H. Turner gave the Lord a "yes." In 1965, he began his evangelism ministry of soul-winning. He conducted ministry crusades, tent revivals and even traveled abroad to Jamaica, the Philippines and Trinidad-Tobago. He was appointed assistant Pastor to Lovejoy Temple in 1968. On January 13, 1975, William H. Turner was ordained its Pastor. His obedience to the call of ministry, his burdens for souls and the laying on hands for healing became paramount. In 1997, answered prayer and visionary of Pastor Turner , allowed him and the membership to build a new edifice of worship and pay it off in 9 years. As a member of the Illinois Southeast Jurisdiction, Pastor Turner served as Assistant Superintendent in District 6 and President of the Department of Evangelism. He received an honorary doctorate degree from Holy Light COGIC in El Paso, TX under the recommendation of Fred and Margaret Crawford, and an honorary doctorate degree in 2016 from Glad Tidings Bible College.

Going to His Eternal Home

On Thursday, April 27, 2023 , at 3:25 a.m., Pastor Turner left his earthly vessel and was received by our Lord and Savior surrounded by family singing, praying, and rejoicing. He is and will be truly missed. He was known for his charismatic personality, dashing good looks, and a smile that lit up a room. Elder Turner never met a stranger. His greatest accomplishment was leading souls to Christ. He would often say, "The only thing you can take with you to heaven is another soul."

Those Whom He Cherished

He is survived by his loving and devoted daughters, Gina Turner, Lorna Turner-LaGrone, and Mia Turner; his grandchildren Beauont Hopson, Jr., Timotheus LaGrone, Endya LaGrone-Vincent, Mathius Harris, Anastasia Harris, and Austin Harris; one great-grandson Chace Kaiden William Clayborn; one aunt, Barbara Jean Davis; god-sons, Pastor Woodrow Walker, Pastor Gerald McGraw, Elder Dwayne Ross, and Deacon Leslie 'Tab' Melton; along with his Lovejoy Temple Family and a host of other relatives. Special Thanks to Family Hospice of Belleville, IL, Nurse John Zgonina, Marcia Young and Maria Lovett.