Lessie Beatrice Turner was born ninety-seven years ago to Luvine Carlton and William Turner AKA General Wilson Nelson. She stated she enjoyed "being raised in a family of twelve (Myrtice, Stella, General Wilson, Joseph, Odie Mae, Zeminal, Ora Lillis, Iona, Robert, Wilbert, and Sister); raising a family of four (Brenda, Lionel, Lois, Kenneth); going to school to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse; working for Maine Bowers, babysitting Mary Louise; and enjoyed my children and husband, especially my children."

Her children often called her "Ma-Dear." words of wisdom she wanted to leave with us: "God above is the one who looks after you and guides you; it's up to you to acknowledge him. No one can make you do anything."

Our mother, Lessie, was educated and married in Sheffield, Alabama where she requested to be buried. Her children are absent during the burial because of the Covid-19 pandemic. A memorial service will occur, after the pandemic, to celebrate the awesome woman who raised and loved us. She is survived by her brother Rev. Robert Turner (Diane), three children, numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, great grand nephews and nieces, and in laws.