Helen E. Turner

Helen Elizabeth (Williams, Fisher) Turner nickname “Melody”, 102 of New London, Connecticut unexpectedly passed from our arms to our Father’s loving arms Wednesday August 25, 2021 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.

She was born on June 10, 1919 in Portland, Maine. She was the daughter of the late Mitchell G. and Florence (Eastman) Williams. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband Herman M. Turner, and first husband William D. Fisher Sr., brothers George E. and Mitchell G. Williams, sisters Audrey Williams, Eleanor Williams, twins Jean and Joan Williams and Edith A. Love, also two brothers that died in infancy and a son Thomas R. Fisher.

She graduated from Portland High School in 1937. She was model at Maine School of Arts during her young adult years. She loved athletics, UCONN basketball team and knew the players by name and their stats of all the collegians players closely following every game. She loved singing all music including opera, hence the nickname “Melody”. Helen was four feet eleven inches of dynamite, her seven children, all nieces and nephews, as well as our friends, knew not to disobey her. She was loved and respected by all. She was known as Ma Turner to the neighborhood kids. A bond that extended not only during our childhood but continued to adulthood, including our friends. She taught them along with us, how important it was to be respectful and considerate of others. The girls were to be proper young ladies and the boys were to be proper gentlemen with respect for the girls and adults as well.

She worked tirelessly on projects to benefit mankind. She loved hats and had one for every outfit she was always beautifully coordinated. Her faith was strong. She loved and taught children in Sunday School and Bible Studies at Pleasant Street Baptist Church in Westerly, Rhode Island where she was a member for more than 50 years. After moving away from Groton to New London Ct. She was a faithful member and Mother of the Clark Memorial Temple AME Zion Church. She was an ordained Deaconess in both venues. She taught knitting and crochet to Seniors at TVCCA in Groton, CT. She also mentored young people there.

Helen joined the Eastern Stars June 13, 1965. She was the Most Worthy Grand Matron Mistress of the Eastern Stars, she was an active member of the Electra Chapter #7, O.E.S., PHA (Registered as the oldest member). Betharah Court No. 5 Heroines of Jericho, PHA. Mary Magdalene Royal Court No. 3 order of Cyrene.Tamar Court #1, Heriones of Jericho, Makalia Court #137.

She is survived by two sisters, Dorothy E. Sheppard of Silver Springs, Maryland and June D. McKenzie of Portland Maine. Her children, William D. Fisher, Deborah E. Ervin (Robert), Jonathan C. Fisher (Lori). Herman (Jimmy) Turner (Sara Jane), Victoria G. Turner and Audrey P. Turner. Also 21 Grandchildren, 37 Great Grandchildren, 18 Great Great Grandchildren and 3 Great, Great-Great Grandchildren. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and myriad of friends.

We thank God we had a Mom like no others. DIGNIFIED…she shared her love with the family and anyone who needed a little more love in their life. She set the foundation for who we are. We loved her SO VERY MUCH. She was EVERYTHING to us. For Audrey, having Mom never felt like a sacrifice, the void of her presence cannot be described in words. Nor are there words to express the void felt in our hearts and souls.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for the Turner family.