Louis Henry Turner Jr.

Louis Henry Turner, Jr., affectionately known by his childhood name “Suga Boy,” was born on January 12, 1937, in Shelby County, Memphis, Tennessee, to Lewis Henry Turner and Idella Green Turner. He accepted Christ at an early age.

He peacefully departed this life surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and love.

Louis graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee. On April 20, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley McDade, and together they were blessed with five children: Calton Louis, Rodney Tyrone, Warren Henry, Byron Eugene, and Toi Lavene.

In 1961, Louis and Shirley moved their family to Los Angeles, California, where he began working at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Sepulveda. What started as a nurse’s assistant position grew into a distinguished 35-year career. Through dedication and skill, Louis became an Orthopedic Surgical Technician, assisting and training student interns and residents.. He also worked privately with Dr. Oppenheimer, an orthopedic surgeon. Louis was known for his strong work ethic, often holding two jobs to provide for his family.

Louis and Shirley later divorced; she remarried and had two sons, Brian Keith and Trevor Leroyce, whom we lovingly embrace as our own.

In 1974, Louis married Flora Gayden, and they were married for 51 years until his passing. Together they had two children: Roshalle Denise and Dionas Asad. In 1983, they moved from their home in Leimert Park in Los Angeles to Palmdale, California. Later, Louis and Flora also opened their hearts and home as medically fragile foster parents, ultimately adopting six children: Vernon Andre, Kaylyn Denise, Joseph Louis, Angela Rose, Michael Jacobs, and Dannie Marie. The children brought tremendous joy, laughter, and meaning to Louis’s retirement years.

Louis was a devoted man of God. He and Flora were faithful members of Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, where Louis served as a Deacon, Board Member, and Men’s Ministry Leader under Pastor Ronald Miner, who became a lifelong mentor and friend. Louis also served as President of the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship for more than ten years. He and Flora later joined Apostle Raymond Paul’s School of Ministry, where they were both ordained as ministers.

After thirty-five years of service, Louis retired from the Veterans Administration Hospital, earning numerous awards and the respect of colleagues and patients alike. He held Orthopedic Technician and X-ray Licenses and worked with private surgeons and medical supply companies to assist in patient care.

A dedicated father, Louis coached soccer and supported his children’s many activities. He took great pride in seeing Roshalle and Dionas graduate from college, each earning a Bachelor’s Degree. Louis was the family photographer—always with a camera in hand, capturing the moments that mattered most.

Later, Louis joined Kaiser Permanente, where he worked for over twelve years as an Orthopedic Technician, training many in casting and radiology techniques.

Louis leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Flora Turner; daughters Toi (Kenneth), Heather, Linda, Kaylyn, Angela and Dannie; sons Dionas (Brenda), Rodney (Nina), Warren, Byron, Vernon, Joseph, Michael, Brian, and Trevor; sisters, Sheila Turner, and Janet Wooten (Marvin); brother Tyler Turner (Tonja); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, including Da’Lonna, Denetria, Danyel, Tia, Mykenna, Kacey, Corzja, RaShawn, Skylar, Braylen, Anaiya, Kinadi, Nicklous (Kandice), Brooklyn, Alexander, Dominique, Onsa, Nikisha and Reign; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Louis was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Henry Sr., mother, Idella Jackson; sister, Joyce Turner, son, Calton Louis, and daughter, Roshalle Denise.

Louis will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his devotion to God, his deep love for his family, his strong work ethic, and his kind, gentle, and joyful spirit. His legacy of faith, service, and love will continue to live on through all who loved and cherished him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23c