Nannie Mae Allen Turner was born May 20, 1935, in Grand Junction, Tennessee to Will Allen and Anna Kate Waddell Allen. She was the youngest of four siblings, including Blodger Allen, Remell Allen Finley and Hubert Allen. She had five bonus siblings, Fred, Donnie, Mattie, George and Rosie. Nannie attended and graduated from high school in Grand Junction, Tennessee. Lively, popular, and energetic Nannie played basketball for Grand Junction High School. Nannie married Jimmie Lee Turner on October 16, 1954. Nannie was a member of Skipper Springs Baptist Church. After moving to Cleveland, Ohio with her husband, she was a loyal member of Bethany Baptist Church. Nannie truly led a life that demonstrated Christian values and was the embodiment of Christian womanhood in word, thought and deed.
Nannie and Jimmie Lee had four children: Vincent M., Reginald L., Natalie R. and Nicholas L., who they raised with loving Christian values.
Nannie was very much a beloved member of her community. She was excellent with flower gardening and with raising plants, starting many lovely plants from tender seedlings. The rose bushes in her driveway are a testament to her nurturing care. She served on the PTAs of her children’s schools. She was active in the Darwin Avenue Street club, and she was a poll worker on election days, cheerfully assisting many voters. She took great pride in her work as a “Fragrance Model”, demonstrating the latest fine fragrances at local department stores. She was an avid bowler in various leagues throughout Cleveland.
Nannie had the gift of endearing herself to others through her kindness, service, warmth and listening ear. She could talk and engage with almost anyone, and many recall the comfort and good counsel she offered.
Nannie’s husband, Jimmie Lee, passed away in 1992, and her son Reginald passed away in 2020. Our family takes some comfort in knowing that our mom, dad, and brother are reunited in the loving arms of the Lord.
Nannie leaves precious memories with all who loved her. She is survived by her children, Vince, Natalie, and Nick; her granddaughters, Arial, Nicki and Rachel; and her great-grandchildren, Aja, Steve Jr. and Ayvri; and a host of nieces and nephews of whom she shared her love and sunny nature; as well as many relatives, and friends.
– Humbly and lovingly submitted by the family of Nannie M. Turner
“Nannie,” a variant of “Anne”, the female form of “John”: “Love”