Larry Edgar Turner

Larry Edgar Turner, a native and resident of New Orleans, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 3, 2023 at the age of 76. He was born on February 28, 1947 to Ethel Metz and Elvy Albert Turner and was the youngest of twelve siblings. He attended Valena C. Jones Elementary School, Rivers Frederick Jr. High School, and graduated from J.S Clark High School. He earned the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Southern University of New Orleans and the Master of Arts in Social Work from Tulane University. He used his training as a faithful employee of the State of Louisiana where he served as Director of Area One Mental Health program, Regional Manager of Area Nine Mental Health, Director of the Louisiana Training Institute, and as Manager of the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program. In 1965 he met Celestine Shepherd at SUNO, where both were students. They married in 1973, and to this union three children were born: Diarra, Dana, and Darren Turner. He was a life-long member of St. Marks Fourth Baptist Church, where he served as Head Deacon. He was a member of the Pontchartrain Kiwanis Club, J.S Clark class of '65 Alumni, and the Just Family Club. Larry leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Celestine Shepherd Turner, their children Diarra Turner, Dana Turner and Darren Turner, and grandchild, Darren J. Turner, Jr. He is also survived by his three brothers, Albert W. Turner (Glennette), Arthur H. Turner (Ruth), and Edward (Rudy) Turner (Gwendolyn), and three sisters, Rebecca Turner Cureau, Louise Turner White, Marjorie Turner Brown , one sister-in-law, Mamie Shepherd Neyland, and one brother-in-law, Rufus Shepherd, and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Tilton Turner, Lillian Turner Vavasseur, Elva Turner Pratt, Evelyn Turner, Celina Turner Johnson, and adopted brother, Charles Williams. The visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday April 15, 2023 at St Marks Fourth Baptist church, 2130 Perdido Street, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. Until funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial follows in Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Larry’s name to St. Marks Fourth Baptist Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.