Gregory Keith Turner

As we celebrate the life of GREGORY KEITH TURNER, the PATRIARCH of our family, we do so with very fond memories. The value of life cannot be measured by longevity alone but in one’s love and the impact upon the lives of others.

Gregory (Greg) Keith Turner was born on March 3, 1955 to the late Eleanor Thomas. During the early hours of Friday, August 29, 2025, God peacefully decided He needed another flower for His Heavenly Garden. Greg was preceded in death by his grandmother, Margaret Turner, grandfather Thomas Turner whom he greatly adored and his Step-Father Joseph L. Thomas, Sr.

Greg was educated in the Maryland Public Schools, in Charles County, Maryland graduating from La Plata High School in 1973. He was a member of the track team competing in pole vaulting. His team set state records at the Southern Maryland All Conference (SMAC) meet that year. He had a love of playing the trumpet as well. He moved to Washington, DC after high school. He began his employment with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for a short period of time. He later worked with Murry’s as a stock clerk and worked his way up to the Regional Manager. It was there where he managed multiple managers in various stores in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina for over 40 years. His employees loved him to the upmost cause of his guidance, superb training and enthusiasm to becoming a hard-working employee as he exemplified to his peers. Over the years, Greg earned outstanding awards and bonuses for his undoubtable efforts on the job. He also was given a company car to travel to his regional stores.

On September 12, 1981, he married his high school sweetheart, Valerie Whalen Turner. She was the beauty of his life and known as one of the Whalen girls whose heart with his determination would eventually win over. Their marriage was built on three strands that symbolized a Christian marriage strengthened by including (God) as the third strand, the central component alongside the both of us (bride and groom) which made this union more resilient and enduring. They were married for 43 years, a few days shy of their 44th Anniversary. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Largo, Maryland.

From their union, they had two daughters, Sheena Marlene Turner and Shayla Josephine Turner. Greg spoiled his wife and girls with love and guidance followed by being a provider, protector guarding the family of harm and any physical danger. As well as permanence creating a consistent and reliable presence in our lives building trust, security and a lasting bond. While Greg was always busy with work, he made time for his family. Greg volunteered at his daughter’s elementary school in the morning assisting the children off of the school bus. While Valerie managed the Girls Scout’s annual cookies drive, Greg was there to assist with the sorting and delivery of the Girls Scout Cookies. Every summer he would take his family on vacation, usually a beach area, Disney or Universal Studio and more. Greg and his wife started going out of the country in 2012 every year to either a resort or a cruise. Last fall (October 2024) was his last trip. They flew to Rome, Italy for a few days and then a 10-day cruise throughout Italy, Spain and Gibraltar. Greg was in awe with his presence at the Vatican and St. Peter’s Square…admiring the tapestry, artifacts and monuments throughout. Greg was a great history buff. Ask him a question and he could answer you.

To know Greg was to love him. He had a sweet, passionate soul and would do anything to help family, friends and strangers out with whatever was needed at the moment. Greg loved family time with his siblings and friends. Greg was a big jokester and always made you laugh. Don’t tell him your real name, he would give you a new name. A young lady came to our home to bring our daughter a bible. When the lady returned on a different day, her new name was “Bible Girl.” Fishing was a passion for him. One day he went fishing in the pouring rain and a news reporter saw him. After leaving her previous assignment, passing him again and she turned back to interview him asking why are you fishing in the pouring rain? Greg’s story made it into the Prince George “Journal” Newspaper.

Greg had a very passionate and faithful love for his favorite football team Washington Commanders better known as the Redskins. He enjoyed attending games at the home stadium alongside his best friends. He also watched the away games with his partners in crime, Melvin, James, Doc, Buddy, Beaver, Norman and Larry. Now Greg is in Heaven with his best man and best friend Rickey enjoying heaven football. Just wait and listen for the thunder when the Commanders play the Cowboys this year. Greg is also a fan of the Washington Wizard’s basketball team (formerly the Washington Bullets) attending numerous games.

Greg would always keep his TV channel on MSNBC shaking his head or laughing at the stupidity of politics and the debates. His favorite political news anchor was Joy Reid. Greg wasn’t a big fan of TV shows but he occasionally watched the black and white westerns, such as Gun Smoke, Bonanza…just to name a few. He loved Jeopardy, Judge Judy and Steve Harvey’s Family Feud.

Greg loved holidays visiting family nearby and afar. In particular, his family in the Hampton, Va., the Jordans. He loved cultivating his mini garden growing cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and so much more. No matter what family event, Greg was the master on the grill cooking steaks, burgers, ribs, hot dogs, chicken, vegetable kabobs, corn on the cob and more. All of which had meanings near and dear to him which described important events in his life.

In 2017, Greg was passionate about providing lawn care services to friends and family following his retirement. He had the skills in beautifying lawns, treatments, mulching, aerating lawns, seeding, planting, edging up bushes, leaf removal...you name it. In addition to his expertise in lawn care, he was a handy man fixing fences to bathrooms. He knew how to resolve a car concern without the dealership price tag. If he didn’t know how to fix an item, “Google” was his best friend. He would turn an assignment into reality and satisfaction.

Greg leaves to cherish his precious memories with his loving wife Valerie W. Turner, his daughters Sheena M. Turner and Shayla J. Turner. With cherish memories, Greg is also survived by his four sisters: Evelyn Jupiter (Bob), Joyce Butler, Diane Ward (Sherwood), Paulette Thomas and five brothers: Richard Turner, Joseph Thomas, Jr., Clinton Thomas (Lori), Sylvester Thomas and Leroy Thomas (Mavis); four Sister-in laws: Darlene Savoy, Margaret Whalen (deceased), JoAnn Stokes (Emillio, Sr.), Lorraine Washington (Timothy, deceased); and three Brother-in-law: Joseph Whalen (Raychelle), Michael Whalen (Laura), Martin Whalen (Anjanette, deceased); Goddaughters: Lakisha Thompson, Shalietta Stokes, Camira Thomas and Tiarra Washington; Best Friends Melvin Butler and James Phillips; devoted neighbors Byron Fleet and Jeffrey Graves; as well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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A visitation for Gregory will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St Joseph Catholic Church, 2020 St Josephs Dr, Largo, MD 20774 with a Funeral Mass to follow. Interment will occur following the mass at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722.

For those unable to attend the services, you may view the livestream by visiting https://www.facebook.com/StJosephLargo/