Ms. Ann Ruth Turner

Her Story: Ann Ruth Turner was born to the late Richard Felton and Lillie Mae Turner in Greensville, South Carolina on October 28, 1924. She was one of nine blessed events. Her father, mother, siblings: Blanchie, Alvin, Garfers, Gladys, Eugene, Lovell and Clyde preceded her death. Clyde's passing was just a few days before Ann's. Ann accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Roman Catholic faith. She attended Detroit Public Schools, graduating from Northeastern High School while running a household like an adult. Under the watchful eye of their father, Ann assisted in raising younger siblings Clyde and Gladys. She would often give her milk to her brother and sister to ensure they received what was necessary to grow. Recognizing that education was important, she postponed her nursing career so that her brother and sister could pursue their studies. During the time of racial segregation, university professional schools for minorities were almost nonexistent with few exceptions. This held true for nursing school. Blacks had to enroll in three-year diploma programs located in the South. St. Philip Hospital School of Nursing was affiliated with the Medical College of Virginia and established for this purpose. Ann enrolled in the registered nurse program, graduating with high distinction. This rigorous program enabled young black women to become nurses who could work anywhere. She later completed a bachelor of science in Nursing with honors at Madonna University. Ann began to travel extensively after joining the Peace Corps to nurse patients in Turkey, Egypt and Lebanon in 1961. As an obstetrical nurse, she was extremely knowledgeable and recognized for her clinical expertise. Because of this, doctors of all ethnicities requested her services. Known for her no-nonsense demeanor, Ann had no hesitation in correcting anyone who might endanger a patient by breaking technique or making a medical error. Oftentimes the guilty party would return to Nurse Turner to thank her for "keeping them straight." Actively participating in the medical complications of all family members, whenever someone was sick, Ann was there. Her help, judgment and guidance were invaluable. Ann's care and concern for both parents and her Uncle Jack and Aunt Gladys, enabled them to live long lives. During her career, Ann worked at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, Harper, Sinai, Highland Park, and Bon Secours Hospital retiring in 1987. Ann influenced the wellbeing, educations or careers of many family members. She coached them into being all that they could become. Each and every relative has benefited from her love, wisdom, kindness and generosity. Her belief was those individuals that can, should do. Those that don't, need to get up and try. In speaking to her one week before her passing, she stated, "When it is my time, just mention that I was a good person that tried to help people."

Ms. Ann Ruth Turner

October 28, 1924 - November 7, 2013