"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Psalms 84:10

Nancy Mae Turner was born on Saturday, April 15, 1939, to the late Clarence and Elsie (Spence) Gray of Newport, Rhode Island. The second of the three children, Nancy grew up with her sister, Joan Elaine and brother Donald Arthur. On the eve of Thursday, October 2, 2025, Nancy finished her earthly assignment and was called home to her perfect rest. She will always be remembered as a kind, compassionate person who was a friend to many.

At age 13 Nancy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Newport, Rhode Island by Pastor William L. Cooper. Rev. Cooper and his family became lifelong friends. Nancy loved Shiloh Baptist and enjoyed engaging in church activities. She attended Sunday School, was a member of the church bowling league and at one time served as the Church Secretary. Her favorite scriptures were in the Psalms of The Bible.

While in high school, Nancy was a tap dancer, performing in musicals and dancing at the "Sox Hops". She was a strong student, being inducted into the Rhode Island Honor Society as a member of the graduation Class of 1956 from Rogers High School, along with her lifelong friend Lily Williams Carter. Lily remembers that Nancy and she never had a cross word and supported one another all along their life's journey. Upon graduation, Nancy worked as a secretary at Newport Hospital in the Coroner's Office.

Nancy married Wilbert Taylor, on June 28, 1958. Wilbert was a Navy sailor and was introduced to her by Clarence "Nick" Nichols. Sadly, Wilbert passed away 22 months into this young marriage. Elizabeth "Cyd" Nichols introduced Nancy to her second husband, William "Magee" Turner. They were married on November 17, 1967, and remained married until the time of Magee's death. Together Nancy and Magee raised three children: Sharon Lynn Taylor, Michael Allen Taylor, and Donna Marie Turner.

Nancy joined Myrtle Baptist Church in 1967 and became a devoted church member. She served on the Usher Board for nearly 50 years, and at one time was the "5th Sunday Captain". For many years Nancy sang with the Voices of Myrtle along with being an avid member of the Myrtle Bowling League, winning many trophies for both individual and team skills. She enjoyed the luncheons with the Elders of Color where she was able to socialize and relax with her family and friends. Nancy was also a member of the Suburbanettes where she served as Treasurer for many years. She loved traveling by bus to Atlantic City with them each year. But her travels to Atlantic City began long before, with family from Philadelphia. Along with cousins Joe and Alma Woodard, she and Magee would take Donna, head to cousins Gene & Ella's home and they all would head to the casino. Donna at the time was too young to gamble, so she spent her dollars in the arcade!

Nancy shared many activities with her children. She would chaperone Girl Scout trips, do projects with her daughters, go to the movies on Saturdays, and volunteer in the Peirce School Library. She loved her family and took great pride in her two granddaughters Mackenzie and Janae.

Nancy went to work for the Newton Public Schools, after her children were all in school, as a secretary in Central Administration. She retired from that position after 25 years of service, having made many good friends whom she remained in contact with during her retirement years.

Nancy was an avid reader, and especially loved romance and mystery novels. She also loved going to the movies, as well as knitting and crocheting, a craft she learned from her mother Elsie. Nancy enjoyed sharing a good joke and making her friends laugh, while having strong opinions and never being afraid to express herself. She always looked forward to attending the Turner Family Reunions for many years and was so happy she went to the 2024 reunion in Denver last year. Turner Thanksgiving dinners over the years was a great time to reconnect with family near and far. Selling Avon products made her an entrepreneur, serving hundreds of customers for over 35 years. She was never without an Avon book in her purse, just in case someone asked.

Nancy was predeceased by her two husbands, Wilbert Taylor, and William "Magee" Turner, her parents Clarence and Elsie Gray; and a niece Christina Marie Yates.

Nancy leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children: Sharon Lynn Taylor, Michael Allen Taylor and Donna Marie Turner, all of Newton, MA. Her beloved granddaughters Mackenzie Ranee Wynn - Nashville, TN, and Janae Jordan Turner - Newton, MA. Sister Joan E. Rozario (Joaquin, Jack) - Newton, MA; brother Donald A. Gray (Lorry) - Methuen, MA; nephew John Rozario - Newton, MA; niece Joanne Y. Smith (Jonathan) - Washington Crossing, PA; in-laws: June T. Lowe, Thomas & Etheline Turner, and Jesse M. Banks and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Nancy, Ma, Mother, Nonnie, Aunt Nancy, Mrs. Turner - the warm spirit and unbreakable bond of love that you held for each of us will forever guide and inspire us. Your legacy will live on through each of us. We will carry forward your light and spirit as we continue our own life's journey.

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "He is my refuge

And my fortress.

My God, in Him I will trust".

Psalms 91:1-2

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to one of these groups:

Turner Family Scholarship Fund.

Checks can me made out to Turner Family Reunion and mailed to:

Ronald Alston

4150 Oakmont Ct.

Clarkston, GA 30021

OR

Myrtle Baptist Church Scholarship Fund

You can mail donations to the church or online via MBC online giving , using the drop-down "Fund" menu to select Scholarship - Nancy Turner.