Eleanor Ruth Turner

Eleanor Ruth Jones Turner passed away in Little Rock, AR. Eleanor was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the only child of the late Dr. E. Paul Jones and Mrs. Irma Gilliard Jones. She was also predeceased by partner, Mr. Robert Wayne Gray, Sr. Their relationship began in 1981 and lasted until death in 2011.

Eleanor was educated in the Birmingham Public Schools, Talladega College, and the University of Arkansas, obtaining degrees in Biology and Medical Technology. For several years she was an instructor in the UAMS School of Medical Technology, after which she was employed in Hematology Research at UAMS and Clinical Hematology at Arkansas Children’s hospital. Although Eleanor enjoyed and excelled in her career, she believed that we are more than the sum total of our jobs, titles, achievements, etc.., and that God also wanted us to enjoy relaxing, socializing, and serving Him in meaningful ways.

Eleanor was a lifetime Congregationalist. She joined First Congregational Church in Little Rock and continued to be supportive of and spiritually supported by First Congregational Christian Church in Birmingham, where her parents were lifetime members. Eleanor’s parents instilled in her desire for spiritual and academic education. As she grew in wisdom and in stature, she learned the values and demonstrated them throughout her life.

Eleanor was a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc., initiated in Chi Chapter, a supporter of the Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP, UNCF, and several other charitable organizations. She contributed to Medical Research Foundations, organizations that promote education and those that help victims of disease and injustice. Eleanor was grateful for her blessings and forgiven for her imperfections by her Savior and she believed in an eternal afterlife in the presence of God and loved ones.

Eleanor was thoughtful and loyal to family and longtime friends who she considered as family. She loved sending cards on special occasions and frequently throughout the year she sent “Thinking of You” cards or other remembrances.

On a lighter side, Eleanor enjoyed socializing with friends, especially “Back in the day”. They laughed about many memories whenever they reminisced. She enjoyed watching television, movies, appreciated music and was still a fan of original Motown Artist.

She never said a lot, nor sought to be well known, but when she gave her word, she could be counted on. She never tried to lead or boast that she was smart, but everything she did was done with all her heart. She never sought praise, like many of the rest, but in all things she did, she did her very best.

Those who were dear to Eleanor for many years were he cousins, Goddaughters: Leah Douglas- Wooten, Donna Daniels Taylor, and Tami East; Sisters and Brothers in love: Laurene Spears, Carolyn Townsend, Pauline Porter Roberts, Barbara Wilborn, Kelvin Anderson, A. J. Barrett, and other special longtime friends.

A Graveside Service in Remembrance will be announced, at Roselawn Memorial Park, 2801 Asher Ave. Little Rock,AR, Arkansas,