Geraldine Turner

Geraldine Turner was born on January 28th, 1947 in Clanton, Alabama. She was the second child of six children born to J.D. and Grace Darby (Vassel). Her parents and sister Jackie preceded her in death. At the age of eight, the family relocated to Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Dorsey High School in 1965. In 1967 on a Sunday afternoon, Geri met the love of her life, Larry Turner. They were introduced by a mutual friend named Bill Morelle. Bill drove Larry by the Darby residence on 18th street where the two met. A few days later at a Whitefront Department store they exchanged numbers after Larry ran into Geri and her mother on aisle 18. They enjoyed their first date later on that day by taking a drive to San Diego and enjoying a steak dinner. They married on June 5, 1971. The rest is 47 years of history.

To this union they were blessed with two children, Brian and Tiffany with whom she was deeply involved in the lives from their education, their careers and most importantly their spiritual

guidance. Geri had various career moves including leaving her legal secretary position and joining her husband in business in 1986 where they worked together for 33 years. Geri first accepted the Lord as her Saviour at an early age under Pastor Agnes Coleman at 36th Street Church of God. She dedicated her life to her church community, Garden Grove Church of God by serving in several church ministries including singing on the worship team, co-director of the Marriage Ministry, and assistant bookkeeper. She also held several positions in the Southern California Christian Women Connection, with her most recent post as the Vice President. Everyone who knew Geri knew her as a gentle, genuine, faithful, strong yet quiet spirit. She enriched the lives of her family as well as others in such a mighty and powerful way with her loving heart and generous spirit. A common theme of Geri’s life is best expressed by the song lyrics “If I can help somebody along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”

She leaves to cherish her memory Larry, a loving and devoted husband of 47 years; two children, Brian Turner and Tiffany Turner; one aunt, Florence Aidoo; two sisters, Shirley Oden, Veryeti Osei (Steve); three brothers, Pastor James Darby (Kim), Doug Darby (Gloria), Ronald Darby (Angella); four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Wade (Bob), Gayle Price, Jackie Stanback (Larry), Beverly Turner; two brothers-in-law, Herman Turner, and Joe Turner; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.