Stephanie LaJohn Watkins Turner

Mrs. Stephanie LaJohn Watkins Turner, eldest child of John Thomas Watkins and Nettie Shirley Tinsley Watkins, was born on November 21, 1968 in Baltimore, Maryland. Stephanie was an excellent student and graduated from Western High School in Baltimore, MD at the age of 16. She earned a full scholarship to Morgan State University and graduated summa cum laude at the age of 20 with a B. S. Degree in Accounting. While attending Morgan, she was initiated into the Alpha Delta chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She recently received her Silver Star for 25 years as an AKA “Soror”. Following graduation, she worked as a public auditor for Ernst & Young and Alex. Brown & Sons. She met the love of her life, Troy Turner, at a chance meeting at the Baltimore-Washington International airport. Their courtship included many trips between Annapolis and Baltimore while Troy attended the U.S. Naval Academy. He proposed at the Naval Academy Ring Dance. On May 29, 1993, they married at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, three days after Troy’s graduation and officer commissioning. She spent several years successfully balancing her career and responsibilities as a new mother to her son John. She often served the community and fulfilled the duties expected of a U.S. Marine Corps officer's wife. She accomplished all of this while earning a Master's of Science in Accounting & Information Systems from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. In 1998 Stephanie and the family moved to East Windsor, NJ and she began working as a marketing manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb. While living in NJ she also gave birth to Lauren and William. She worked full time and managed the household while also supporting Troy’s full time pursuit of his MBA at the Wharton School of Business. The family also joined the Mercer County Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and have been active participants since 2000. The family completed a fifth household move and resettled in Indianapolis, Indiana in 2002. Stephanie continued to balance her roles as a loving spouse, while raising three children and working full time in various marketing roles for Eli Lilly & Co. Professionally, Stephanie was honored several times for the highest individual and team marketing awards within Eli Lilly. Regardless of her schedule, she has always been heavily involved in the growth of her children academically, spiritually and athletically. Stephanie was her children's #1 fan and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on in life. She was blessed to see her children baptized, win multiple academic awards and athletic achievements. The family became faithful members of Eastern Star Church. She could always be counted on to lend a helping hand to friends, co-workers and other mothers. She remained a passionate, but objective participant in volunteer and community service. Her infectious smile, quick wit and fun spirit will be cherished forever. Stephanie never complained and or shared much about her health burdens for several reasons: first, her faith and belief in God's healing power and promise for everlasting life; secondly, her strong desire to live life on her terms; and most importantly her love for others. Stephanie often focused her energy towards helping friends and family members through their difficult times. Her faith, selflessness and unwillingness to be defined by breast cancer serves as an example for all. Stephanie LaJohn Watkins Turner received her angel wings on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 12:50 PM at the age of 46 at her home. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents: Christopher Columbus and Mae Ella Richardson Tinsley and paternal grandparents: Fred and Chinesta Perry Watkins and her niece, Savannah Rose Watkins Johansson. Stephanie leaves to cherish her memory: her parents, John Thomas Watkins and Nettie Shirley Tinsley Watkins of Baltimore, MD; her mother-in-law, Martha A. Turner of Cleveland, OH; husband, Troy Johnathan Turner; children: John Douglas Turner, Lauren Elizabeth Turner and William Christopher Turner all of Indianapolis, IN; sister Crystal Chanel Watkins Johansson and brother- in-law, Nicholas Johansson, sister- in- law and brother- in- law Bonnie E. Turner Jackson and Harlan Jackson of Cincinnati, OH; brother- in-law and sister-in-law, Todd Michael Turner and Holly Robb Turner of Stow, OH; nephews; Noah Aiden Watkins Johansson and Carter Magnus Watkins Johansson of Baltimore, MD., Devon Jackson of Cincinnati, OH., Jeremy Turner of Stow, OH; nieces: Charlotte Jackson of Cincinnati, OH and Allison Turner of Stow, OH; Uncle: Michael Patrick Tinsley of Waco, TX and a special cousin, Billy Wayne Watkins (Uncle Bill) of Atlanta, GA- and a host of other loving relatives and very special friends. Flower are welcome, plants and perennials are encouraged. Gifts can be sent to the Morgan State University Foundation to benefit the “Stephanie Watkins Turner Endowed Scholarship Fund”, 1700 E, Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, MD 21251. Please note “Stephanie Watkins Turner Endowed Scholarship Fund” on your gift. Family, friends, co-workers (Stephanie & Troy) & AKA sorority members are requested to join the family for a celebration of life and repast beginning at 1:30 at the Crown Hill Funeral Home