Mr. Jeffery A. Turner, a resident of Pendergrass, GA, died Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, GA.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) from Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel, 305 W. F. Burns Drive, Valley, AL 36854 with Pastor Cecelia Broome as Eulogist.

Interment will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Valley, AL. Davis Memorial Mortuary directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Friday, March 31, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. (EST) at Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

Jeffery Anthony Turner was born to the late Jake Turner Jr. and Gloria Curry Turner on May 26, 1972 in Cleveland, Ohio. Named after his great-grandfather, Jeffery was the youngest of three children in his family of origin. He was the grandson of the late Jake Turner, Sr. and Gladys Turner. During his school-age years, Jeffery was a well-rounded student. He worked hard at academic achievement while participating in an array of athletic activities, including baseball, wrestling, track and football—the sport where he earned his nickname, “Terminator Ted.”

Once the school year and athletics ended, Jeffery looked forward to summer vacation, which meant family trips to Alabama, Disney World, Daytona Beach, Niagara Falls and amusement parks, such as Cedar Point, Kings Island and Geauga Lake. During the slower pace of summer, Jeffery spent endless hours with neighborhood friends, riding bikes, playing video games or throwing footballs.

Jake and Gloria Turner instilled in their children the importance of education and a strong work ethic. Jeffery attended Orange High School where he was introduced to the late Mr. William Brown and Mr. Dale Kelly—educators/mentors who had a profound impact on Jeffery’s educational trajectory and personal development. A solid academic record and versatile extracurricular activities in high school paved the way for Jeffery’s admission to Morehouse College where he studied English language and, ultimately, earned a bachelor’s degree. Years later, Jeffery attended Duke University to earn paralegal certification.

While Jeffery was proud to be a “Morehouse Man,” his most significant accomplishment resulted from his union with Octavia Curry: his two sons, Mujahid and Jawad Turner. Being a father was most important to Jeffery. He was a hands-on dad who shaped his sons into intelligent, productive, good-natured young men. He was a stern parent, yet he displayed an over-the-top sense of humor. Jeffery shared his love of motorcycling with his sons. Together, they traveled the open road on their bikes. Jeffery cherished “Gloria,” his Indian-brand motorcycle purchased in 2021. When he motorcycled throughout Georgia and neighboring states, he experienced peace and contentment and never met a stranger. He was recently gearing up for his longest ride ever—Atlanta, Georgia to Columbus, Ohio—to take place during spring break in April.

Jeffery taught English/language arts in schools throughout North Carolina, Texas, and Georgia. He was a consummate educator who impacted students in much the same way he was impacted by his teacher mentors. Students have described Jeffery as: “Teacher of the Year,” “a father figure,” and “the reason I came to school.” He nurtured students while being actively engaged in the teaching process. He seemed tireless as evidenced by his refusal to miss a single day of school and his belief that he would never retire but, instead, teach beyond age 90.

Seeking to be obedient and follow the Lord, Jeffery regularly attended the Church of God and Christ. He lived a Christ-centered life that reflected his values and convictions. Jeffery peacefully departed this life on March 22, 2023 in Gainesville, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Gloria Turner. He leaves to cherish his loving memory: two sons, Mujahid and Jawad Turner; two sisters, Deborah Curry and Sonya Turner; an aunt, Emma Dora Broome; mentors, Dale Kelly and Cheryl Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, students, and colleagues.

Funeral Services by Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley.