On October 5, 1958 an angel was born on this earth, and on December 14, 2015, she returned home to our Lord. Danelle Madrenna Turner passed on at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Western Regional Medical Center in Goodyear, Arizona after a long struggle with cancer. Danelle was 57-years-old.
Danelle was born to James Turner, Jr and Celestine Turner in Cambridgeshire, England. From a young age she was known as a compassionate caretaker among her four siblings, whether she was packing school lunches or keeping them out of harm’s way. At Red River High School, she was a decorated and publicized champion track star—in fact, to this day she still holds the fastest track record at the school for the 100-yard dash. Aside from her accomplishments as a track phenom, she was a quiet rebel. She was known for her quiet demeanor, but made a loud statement when she colored her hair blue! Yes there were many sides to Danelle as a teen, but her talents and her mild manner did not keep her unnoticed. She won homecoming queen in 1976. Something she did not brag enough about.
Throughout her entire life, Danelle has had a strong faith in the Lord and passion for helping those around her, especially children. In 1981, she helped start a children’s program at her home church in Lompoc named Agape Land, deriving from the Greek word “agape” that means “A God-like love.”
In 1984 she married Cornell Fuggs, and a year later their union gave her an even bigger love of her life, their daughter Nicolle. They divorced in 1990, and in 1994 Danelle moved to Phoenix, AZ. Nicolle and Danelle found their home for the next 20 years in Scottsdale, AZ.
Danelle also found a home working at Alaska Airlines where she celebrated her 20 year anniversary in 2014. She was an incredibly dedicated worker, clocking in overtime, often working 7 days a week. Though, she never lost her ability to be a caretaker. In receiving customer feedback, people used the words “flabbergasted” and another said that they “brought her tears” in speaking to Danelle’s level of kindness and support. She was not just a champion for her customers; she fought for justice when it came to the rights and fair treatment of the workforce at Alaska. A quiet rebel. She did not talk much, but she did speak out for what was right and just.
Danelle was a woman of many passions. She loved the outdoors and cherished local hikes with her daughter Nicolle, ran a marathon in the picturesque mountains of Hawaii, completed the running portion of a triatholon with two of her close friends, and even hiked the Grand Canyon…twice! She devoured literature and TV shows about people all over the world making the world a better place with environmentally sustainable solutions. She could talk endlessly about her political views recognizing the leaders who had a hopeful vision and gave back to the community doing what they could with the power they had. Cooking was second nature to Danelle. She made amazing foods, collected new recipes and perfected old ones. Her passion for learning about the world and travel lead her to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Boston, Vancouver, London and Italy, which was one of her favorite trips.
It was effortless for her to come up with ways to make people feel special. From taking her baby sister out every weekend to spend time with her, to inspiring other classmates by running her heart out every track meet, to treating her daughter to a VIP celebration every single birthday to making gifts for friends for Christmas to throwing baby showers for co-workers, and the list goes on.
Even towards the end of her time with us on earth she was a fighter. Danelle comes from a family of strong stalk, and many have called her the “strongest woman they know”. Cancer took her through a different, new kind of journey. But that is not what she would want to be remembered for. While her humble heart didn’t desire special recognition for her accomplishments and good deeds, her presence and character left footprints on the heart of anyone lucky enough to cross her path.
Danelle is survived by her daughter Nicolle Turner, sisters Adonna Jones and Dierdra Turner, brother Stephen Turner, father James Turner, Jr., nieces Diajii Smith, Azuree Smith, Brandice Turner, Christina Matone and Natasha Turner, and nephew Antonio Turner. She was preceded in death by her mother Celestine Turner and her brother Laurice Turner.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:00 am, Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Grace Community Church, 1200 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282. A Commitment Service will follow at 12:30 pm, at Paradise Memorial Garden, 9300 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ.
The family suggests that donations be made to UNICEF organization or Heritage Church / Heart Encouragement Cancer Ministries, address: P.O.Box 25365 Scottsdale Az 85255.
Be the change you wish to see in the world
~Ghandi
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
~Phillipians 4:13
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