Rev. La Paula Turner

La Paula Turner, born Loretta Pauline Turner on June 14, 1937, in Memphis, TN, to Fred B. Turner and Fleeta Pauline Phillips Turner (both predeceased), was called home on August 4, 2025. She was the mother of six children: Keith Rene Simpson (Crystal), Gina LeVon Simpson, Elise Reese, Gregg Elliot Simpson, Sr. (deceased), Carla Jennell Simpson, and Lina U. Johari. She also had nine grandchildren: Icy R. Simpson, Jenita M. Hayes (Victor), Malék E. Simpson (Shakira), Darrion L. Simpson, Apostle Dr. Yunique D. Simpson, Denvil Hammons III, Danielle L. Simpson, Janet Elizabeth Jones, and Gregg Elliot Simpson Jr., along with thirty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

La Paula traveled and worked across the country, spreading the word of God. She returned to Memphis in 1995. She was initiated into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, in 1968 and legally changed her name to La Paula Turner in 1982.

La Paula earned a B.A. in Applied Psychology and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. She pastored four MCC churches in Baltimore, MD, Columbus, and Dayton, OH, and spoke at MCC Conferences and Pride Celebrations. She served as District Coordinator (Bishop) for 28 MCC churches in five states and as Manager for "Africa in April" in Memphis. She also worked as Assistant to the Registrar at Memphis Theological Seminary.

A long-time member of Holy Trinity United Church of Christ, La Paula served as an ordained minister and leader in worship and praise. In her later years, she worked as a Senior Companion in Memphis. La Paula had many cherished people in her life who she considered Godchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends such as Donna Young and JRichard. Her “La Paula Village” included Valerie Langley, Bernadette Lee, Mary Jo Freeman, Stephanie Tsolakov, Mary Hamlett and Lee Goins. There are many more whom the Lord blessed her with to shower with love from the heart. She left a mark on so many and will be

truly missed.

The visitation for Rev. La Paula Turner will take place at Holy Trinity Community Church located at 685 S. Highland Street, Memphis, TN, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2025. The funeral service begins at 11:00 a.m. also at holy Trinity Community Church. The interment will take place at Pleasant Rest Memorial Gardens, 6235 Raleigh-Millington Road in Millington, TN following the funeral service.