Jerry Eugene Turner

Jerry Eugene Turner began his heavenly journey early on February 28, 2023. He was loved by all who recognized him as a caring individual whose primary desire in life was to "help people who are in need". In 2009 he found peace and purpose and a place to best serve Christ at the First United Methodist Church here in Americus, GA. He enjoyed cutting up firewood and selling it at his church for any charitable cause. He often attended the monthly dinner for those at the homeless shelter sponsored by the Wesley Sunday School class, and assisted at the food pantry for several years. Jerry drove people to doctor's appointments when they need transportation. He truly looked forward to his turn as the teacher for the Sunday School lesson ... and the list goes on. He managed to find ways to help others and often spoke of his opportunities to serve as "God's helper" with the aid of his church and Wesley Sunday School group. Jerry was born in Alma, GA on August 12, 1936. When he was only 13 years old he took advantage of a teacher vacancy, stepped up to the plate, and began teaching Sunday School classes at a Baptist Church and a Methodist Church near his home. He is a graduate of Emory University and he later spent time at a Baptist Seminary. For many years he worked as Director of Computer Programming for the City of Atlanta but eventually moved to South Florida and spent time working as a real estate and insurance agent. Eventually Jerry and his wife moved to Americus so she could continue the career she loved until their retirement. Jerry is survived by his wife, Maureen Brainard Turner. They have been married for 32 years following a 10 year courtship. In addition, his death is mourned by his two sons: James Benjamin Turner with his wife Sandra from Snellville, GA and John Timothy Turner who resides with his wife, Frances, in Clarksville, VA. He is also mourned and missed by his sister, Wanda Rodman and her family from Killeen, TX; as well as his half-brother, JF, and his family from Midway, GA; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, including Nicole Marie Turner and Jamie Lynn Turner. The mother of Jerry's children, Julia Turner from Atlanta, is also grieving this loss. Jerry was preceded in death by both parents, Grace and Fred Turner; his sister and brother-in-law, Fredra and Carly Lastinger of Pearson, GA; as well as a half-brother, Larry, from Alma, GA. A visitation is scheduled at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., between the hours of 7:00 and 8:00 PM on Friday evening, March 10, 2023. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Americus. Members of the Wesley / Epworth Sunday School class are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any monetary donations be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 200 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709, for the benefit of the Wesley / Epworth Sunday School class, or any personal preference one desires to honor. The family is unable to find enough words to convey the love and support they have received during these months of Jerry's illness and especially at this time of offering our temporary "good-bye" to Jerry until we see him again. God bless you all. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Jerry Eugene Turner.