Toni Griffith Turner

Toni Turner, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 20, 2026 after a courageous four-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She spent her final two months receiving compassionate care at Westminster Memory Care.

Born on February 14, 1952, in Greenville, South Carolina, Toni was a Valentine’s Day blessing to her parents, Pert and Marcy Griffith, as their firstborn child. She grew up in the Monaghan and Berea communities of Greenville, where she developed a love for family, faith, friendship, and service that would define her life.

Toni graduated from Berea High School, where she distinguished herself as a leader and trailblazer. She was the first female Student Body President in the school’s history, served on the annual staff, was one of nine students from the Class of 1970 inducted into the Berea High School Hall of Fame, and was named a Top Teen by The Greenville News. An avid athlete, Toni played basketball and was known throughout her neighborhood for holding her own as quarterback among the local boys. Her faith was nurtured through the youth ministry and youth choir of Berea First Baptist Church.

After high school, Toni attended Clemson University before marrying the love of her life, Donald “Don” Turner, on September 11, 1971. She was welcomed into the Turner family with open arms and, alongside Don’s four older sisters, soon became one of “the girls.” Together, Toni and Don shared 54 years of marriage and ministry.

Toni willingly set aside her own educational pursuits to support Don in his preparation for gospel ministry and to raise their family. Throughout the years, she faithfully served alongside him in every church they called home. She sang in church choirs, taught young adult Sunday School classes, helped organize outreach ministries and fellowship events, and ministered to countless people through her warmth, hospitality, and servant’s heart. Don often referred to Toni as his greatest asset in ministry and his most faithful partner.

Known for her outgoing personality, infectious smile, and genuine love for people, Toni found joy in decorating her home and church, baking, spending time with Christian friends, and serving her church community. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives.

Professionally, Toni dedicated 30 years of service to the USDA Farm Service Agency, retiring in 2017 after advancing to an administrative position through her diligence, commitment, and excellence.

More than any accomplishment, Toni treasured her family. She loved her children “to the moon and back” and delighted in her grandchildren. She was also Don’s greatest supporter and caregiver, standing faithfully by his side through numerous health challenges with unwavering love, strength, and grace.

Toni is survived by her devoted husband, Donald “Don” Turner; her son, Dusty Turner and wife, Kim; her daughter, Kiki Metts and husband, John; her cherished grandchildren, Turner Bennett, Brice Bennett, and Karlie Turner; and her sister, Kim McConnell and husband, Chris, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The name Toni means “priceless,” and those who knew and loved her would agree there could be no more fitting description. Her life was marked by faith, devotion, selflessness, and love. Though her family grieves her loss, they rejoice in the assurance that she is now whole, healed, and forever in the presence of her Savior.

Her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration service will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Round Hill Baptist Church, 230 Persimmon Lane, Lexington, South Carolina 29072: Visitation from 12:00-2:00pm; Service at 2:00pm; Burial immediately following at Bush River Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family are invited to make a donation to The Manna House Ministry at Round Hill Baptist Church in honor of Toni.