Donald Turner Sr.

Donald Turner, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, to the union of Clifford and Eliza Turner, Donald's journey through life was one of resilience, passion, and unwavering love for his family.

He was a gifted singer, songwriter, and musician, Donald's pursuit of a career in entertainment led him from the vibrant city of Chicago to the "show biz" city of Los Angeles, California. It was there that he met his beloved wife, Berlaine Nadine Turner, and together they built a beautiful life, raising five incredible children: Misha Booker (Damien), Ebony Smith (Charles), Donald Turner Jr., Mary Hall (Corey), and Joshua Turner (Marisol).

Throughout his life, Donald found joy in the simplest moments, from spending time with family to exploring his passions. One of his greatest loves outside of entertainment was fishing. During the summer months, he made it a tradition to share this pastime with his family, turning each trip into cherished memories. A fishing pole and tackle box were never far from his side, wherever he went. Donald endlessly tried to master what he called "culinary skills." However, the one dish that melted mouths was his fried Catfish & Red Snapper. While he tried his hand at many dishes, it was his ability to fry fish so perfectly that became legendary in the family—a true testament to his heart and care for those around him.

Donald was a free spirit—with an insatiable love for family. Although his life was not without its challenges, his strength, perseverance, and faith in God, saw him through it all.

Donald worked at the Naval Shipyard in Long Beach, California, and did his absolute best to support his family. Above all, Donald loved his children with all of his heart, and he cherished each moment spent with them. Donald held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, treating them as if they were his own. His legacy of love will continue to live on through all of them, and through the many lives he touched.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Eliza Turner. Donald leaves behind a legacy of love and joy in the hearts of those who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Berlaine Turner, his children Misha Booker, Ebony Smith, Donald Turner Jr., Mary Hall, and Joshua Turner, his siblings, Kevena Hudson, Kevin Turner (Cheryl), Valerie Walls, Janice Turner, Nancy Turner, Bryant Turner (Roxanne), Joy Ayeni (Ajibola), and his grandchildren: Damien Booker Jr., DeShawn Booker, Tanisha Booker, Jasmine Booker, DeAndre Booker, Nevaeh Booker (Misha & Damien Booker); Alyssa Smith, Tyler Smith, Caleb Smith, Azaria Smith (Ebony & Charles Smith); Eden Petillo, Kirrah Petillo, Liliana Hall, Cory Hall Jr., Nasier Hall (Mary & Cory Hall Sr.), Ryan Turner (Joshua & Marisol Turner) and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Donald’s life was a testament of love, resilience, and the power of family. Donald peacefully transitioned in his sleep on Sunday March 23, 2025 at home among family.

His memory will forever be carried in the hearts of those who loved him, and his spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives of his children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May we honor him not just in sorrow but in the way he would want us to, in laughter, love and the unbreakable ties of family.