Deaconess Na'Dell Strickland Turner
Virtuous Woman of God, Wife and Mother

She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:26, 30

Reflections of Life

Deaconess Na'Dell Strickland Turner was born on March 13, 1932 to the late Freeman Strickland and Georgia Ann Todd Strickland in Stephens, Arkansas. She accepted Christ at an early age and united in holy matrimony to her best friend, the late Deacon Louis W. Turner, Jr. on April 20, 1947. They were married for 74 years and in this union, they were blessed with children, Juanita Turner-Allen, Linda Faye Turner, Cynthia Denise Turner-Hayes, Bishop Dr. Etovia Michelle Turner Bragg, Dr. Reverend La'Vern Turner Jones and God-daughter, Brenda Reeves Hogan. In 1948, she joined the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the late Rev. W. M. Bryant and later under the leadership of the late Dr. Jacob H. Hayes, Jr.

Deaconess Turner served as one of the most dedicated servants in Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church with 80 Years of Service. She served as a cornerstone of compassion, leadership and spiritual guidance within the Church. She acquired a strong understanding the Church's covenant, doctrine and teaching ultimately expanding God's Kingdom. She served faithfully in the Church, as President of the Deaconess; the Founder of the Pilgrimairs, led alter-calls, bible study, prepared the sacraments (communion), mentored women, assisted with pastoral support, visited the sick & shut-in and provided comfort to the bereaved. Sister Turner answered the call and met the need, providing emergency food assistance to the community, prepared countless soul-food meals for various church events, and supported all aspects of the Community Outreach Ministry.

Sis. Turner, exemplified what it truly means to be a profound Proverbs 31, Virtuous Woman of God [WoG]. With high moral standards and integrity, she was spiritually and mentally clothed with the Spirit of Excellence as a wife, mother, and a protector of her daughters and family.

For over 60 years, Sis. Turner was a Business Owner and Entrepreneur. As a professionally licensed Cosmetologist, she independently established and operated a Beauty Salon, 'The Beauty Nook' where she specialized in full-service beauty, skin and haircare. In addition to owning and operating a successful Beauty Salon, Sis. Turner also worked in an exemplary manner within the Camden School District, supervising the maintenance and upkeep of the school.

Her hobbies included singing in the church choir, gardening, farming, sewing, cooking, baking, and teaching her favorite devotional hymns and scriptures to her family.

Heavenly Assignment

Deaconess Turner transitioned peacefully on Resurrection Sunday April 5, 2026 at home surrounded by her loving family. While as humans, we grieve the loss of such a beautiful presence, we as Christians can feel blessed because our Beloved Family Matriarch, saw the face of Jesus on the day we commemorate His Resurrection.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis W. Turner Jr., her parents, Georgia Ann & Freeman Strickland, her daughters, Linda Faye Turner and Juanita Turner Allen, her great-grandson Landon Micah-Aziel, her four brothers, John B., Willie D., Jim and P.W. Strickland; three sisters, Eula Mae Strickland, Onie Mae Porchia and Princess E. Mitchell.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters; Cynthia Denise Turner (Vernard) Hayes, Bishop Dr. Etovia Michelle Turner (late Anthony) Bragg, and Dr. Rev. La' Vern Turner (Rev. Johnny) Jones; her Grandchildren, Phillip Jerome Whitted, Rev. Bryant Keith Whitted (Kim), La'Nel Goshen (John) Trevino, LaMarcus Goshen, Walter Dean Watkins III, Tyson R. Watkins and Jacob Macfoy plus her Great Grandchildren; Philip Whitted Jr, Chasity Whitted, Jeremy Whitted, Sharnell Whitted (Curtis) Hayes, Taylor Whitted, Liam Goshen Trevino; Great-Great Grandchildren, Saniaya Guyton, Kamden Whitted, Mahogani Guyton, Tylen Whitted, Jalen Mangum, Jayceon Mangum, Chloe Whitted, Kannon Ringo; her loving niece, Paula Turner Williams, her bonus children, Rev. Terry Torrence, Lilly Lee, Roosevelt Furlow, Jr., Karen & Rev. Bryan Smith, Hamdiou Bah, Barbara Hensley, Pamela Tims, Rick & Sherry Nalls, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, her caregivers, Hospice Staff and her church family, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church.