Louise Houston Turner

Louise Houston Turner left this earthly realm on August 13, 2016 in Webster, Texas. Louise joined her husband of 66 years, Robert Turner, Jr., who has been patiently waiting for her since his departure on March 23, 2016. Louise was born on February 2, 1925 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Robert Houston, Sr. (deceased) and Edith Taylor Houston (deceased). She was preceded in death by her 4 sisters and 3 brothers, Robert Houston Jr., Thelma Houston Johnson (Louis), Hazel Houston Carter (Demouil), Ida Houston Stephens (Shelly, Sr.), Herbert (Sonny Man) Houston (Ruby), Edith (Clacky) Houston Jackson (Ishmel), Charles (Sonny Boy) Houston and her granddaughter Kristin Hutchinson. She leaves to cherish her memory her children Phillip R. Turner, Sr. (spouse-Rita LaBostrie Turner), Kamala K. Turner, Tonya Turner Winfield (spouse - David M. Winfield) and Dr. Rod J. Turner, Sr. (spouse - Roslyn Morgan Turner), Sisters -in-law Nancy Houston, and Alice Houston, 12 grandchildren , 3 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Louise attended Tennessee State University where she was voted “Best Dressed Woman” on campus. She later returned to Baton Rouge and matriculated at Southern University earning a Bachelors of Arts degree in Home Economics. She married Robert in 1949 and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. There she taught Home Economics in the Orleans Parish School System at Booker T. Washington High School. She and Robert decided to suspend her career and start their family. Becoming a dynamic wife, mother, entrepreneur, PTA president(s) at her children's schools and political activist as a member of (COUP), were her passions. She was also instrumental in the election and re-election of Edwin Edwards as governor of Louisiana. She returned to work at the Jefferson Parish Health Unit as a Home Health Supervisor for 16 years. Louise was awarded many certificates and citations for her endless service to the community. When she and Robert retired she continued to stay active in her church (Peck United Methodist Church) and traveled extensively to see son-in-law Dave Winfield play baseball. She would accompany Robert to many sporting events as they were original season ticket holders to the New Orleans Saints and later to the New Orleans Pelicans. Louise loved to dance and enjoyed attending the city’s high echelon social club functions during Mardi Gras season and other events throughout the year. Mrs. Turner (as her husband Robert so lovingly called her), will be remembered for her fun loving spirit, open arms and her protocol and etiquette for doing things on a grand scale for the enjoyment of all. Momma Turner (or Weezie) always had a passion for living to her fullest and had the utmost zest for life. Her culinary expertise was legendary. She had the likes of Chef Wolfgang Puck and her adopted “children”, Cookie & Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, LaTanya & Samuel L. Jackson, Pauletta & Denzel Washington, looking forward to her gastronomical delights. In the words of Momma, “My children and grandchildren will carry on the values that have been instilled in them throughout the years. Times may have changed but values have not… proper protocol!” Services will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church, 4533 Mendez Street, New Orleans, LA 70126, on Sunday August 21, 2016. Visitation at 1:30 PM-2:30 PM., Services begin at 2:30 PM. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery & Mausoleum, 4000 Norman Mayer Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangements by D. W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guest book.