Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Dr. Clinton Vassett Turner, Sr.

Dr. Clinton Vassett Turner, Sr., 76, of Richmond, departed this life Friday, May 15, 2020. He was the youngest of three sons born on October 27, 1943 in Appomattox, Virginia to William Burnett and Ethel Harris Turner. Dr. Turner received his early education in Appomattox, Virginia and upon graduation entered Virginia State College (now University) where he received his Bachelor and Master degrees in Agriculture. He furthered his education at Virginia Tech where he received his Doctorate of Education Degree in Vocational and Technical Education. Dr. Turner’s first job at Virginia State University was Extension Specialist in housing and structures where he worked with county extension agents and various agencies throughout the state teaching classes in home repair and remodeling. He also taught new home buyer classes in local counties. As his career grew at Virginia State University, Dr. Turner served as Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Extension within the College of Agriculture and Vice-President and Administrator of 1890 Programs at Virginia State University. He also served as the President of the Virginia State University Agricultural Alumni Association. At the height of his professional service, Dr. Turner was appointed as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the State of Virginia by then Governor L. Douglas Wilder. He was the first African-American in the nation to hold a cabinet level position in Agriculture. Dr. Turner touched many lives during his professional career for which he received numerous awards and recognitions. Most notable are the 1994 Virginia Man of the Year Award, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Agricultural Alumni Organization Distinguished Service Citation and the George Washington Carver Public Service Hall of Fame Award from Tuskegee University, making him the first Virginian and the first Virginia State University alumnus to be inducted. In addition to his professional affiliations, Dr. Turner was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Appomattox, Virginia. He was a member of Fourth Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, where he served as Financial Trustee and performed key leadership roles in various organizations and ministries. In his spare time, Dr. Turner enjoyed spending time with his family, barbecuing, traveling and watching mysteries, football and westerns on television. In addition to his parents preceding him in death, he was also preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters-in-law, William Burnett Turner (Celestral) and Charles Leon Turner (Dora), both of Appomattox, Virginia. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife of 51 years, Lelia Aldora Green Turner; two sons, Clinton V. Turner, Jr. (Kara) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland and Michael B. Turner of Appomattox, Virginia; two granddaughters, Kayla and Karrington Turner; three nieces, Gwendolyn Turner, Tamara Turner and Katherine Turner; nephew, Michael Leon Turner; sister-in-law, Shirley Diggs of Plainfield, New Jersey; brother-in-law, Emmett Green of Baltimore, Maryland; other relatives and many close friends. Dr. Turner was deeply respected by the lives he touched, loved by many and will be sorely missed by all. May he rest in eternal peace. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2020. A private service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Rev. Eric Jackson officiating. Interment Mt. Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, 5220 Reedy Spring Road,, Spout Spring, Virginia. Livestreaming and online guest book at scottsfuneralhome.com

Guest Book

To the Family of Dr. Turner, Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Clinton. I had the very sincere pleasure of working with the Commissioner during his years in State Government at the time I was serving as State Comptroller. He was a delightful colleague and a wonderful human being. I am sure that your loss is great but that you will be joyed by the fact that his life was important to all Virginia. With warmest regards, Edward J. Mazur, Bon Air, VA

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Principal Turner, you and your family have our condolences and prayers at this time. Our hearts go out to you all. -The Walker Jones Staff

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To the Turner Family ~ May God bless you and keep you in his care during this most difficult time. May the memories you shared be a source of comfort. Our sincerest condolences. The Ragland Family

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Dear Aldora and family, our deepest and sincerest condolences to you and your family as you celebrate the life of Clinton. Remember the joys he brought you and God's light that shined through him. My you continue to be blessed. -Zanada Green Maleki, Bahram Maleki, and daughter Aiyana Maleki Bahder family.

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My condolences to the Turner family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Mrs. Tilwanda Law Truesdell EC District of Columbia

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Condolences to Mrs. Turner and the Turner family. God has blessed you these years through Dr. Turner. May He continue those blessing all your lives. Otha & Verda Lewis

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Please accept my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers during Mr. Turners heavenly transition. I only wish I could express my condolences to your family in a more "traditional" manner. He was tall, commanding and always sweet to me and will be dearly missed.

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My condolences to the Turner family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

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Aldora, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We share in your sadness as Clint is remembered. We will miss him enormously, but we will never forget him. Lorenza W and Evanion Lyons

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Dear Aldora and family. Our hearts are sad and prayers are with you. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. -Love you-Cousins Beverly Robinson Thomas, George & Joy

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Mrs. Turner, "Doc" was a father-figure, good friend, and business partner of mine. He and I had many, many good years working on Technology Ed together. He will truly be missed. Dr. Oscar Martin

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The Brioch family sends our deep and sincere condolences to the entire Turner family. We pray God's love, mercy and grace will provide comfort to you, and heal your saddened hearts. May the gates of heaven open and all the angels rejoice for Dr. Turner -a dedicated husband, a compassionate grandfather, a loving father, and a great man.

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Aldora, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

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It was Clint Turner who pushed me to strive for excellence and realize my potential as and Extension employee. I wasn't the only one, he encouraged many. Gone but not, never, to be forgotten. Dr. Claudette Smith

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We are sending our sincere condolences and heartfelt thoughts to the Clinton Family and will keep you in our prayers during this very difficult time. Dennis Winston and Dr Adelaide Simpson

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Aldora and Family, you are in our prays. We will miss Clint. God be with you. Norman & Gloria McCowin

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Clinton, Kara and family, I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard. I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no words. I didn't ask for wealth or fame I know you wouldn't mind. I asked that He'd send treasurers of a far more lasting kind. I asked that He'd be be near you at the start of each new day to bring you health and blessings and friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small but it was for His loving care I prayed for most of all. Lovingly, Barbara Crawley

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Mrs. Turner, to you and your family please know that you all have my deepest condolences and sympathy. Dr. Turner was indeed a Torchbearer and set an exceptionally high bar for Leadership, Professionalism, Academia and Wisdom. May God's Comforting Spirit Abide with You and Your Family Now and Forever. Lloyd Jones

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To the Clinton family , we extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers during this difficult time!QEC

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Mrs. Turner, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of your great loss. Hold to the many precious memories that you have of him. Milton & Frances Chambers and family, Appomattox, VA

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Mrs. Turner and the Turner family, my sincere condolences to you. Dr. Turner was great and admirable gentleman who contributed much to those who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing him. Working for him when he was Commissioner of Agriculture was an honor. The world is a better place for his having been in it. Sarah Pugh

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I would like to take this time to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the Turner family. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Turner one time. This is not to say I haven't heard about him on multiple occasions at work. It was at the end my school's basketball game when God put a face to such an influential being. During our interaction in the parking lot we acknowledged one another as fathers, fellow Trojans, educators, and fraternal brothers through my mentor, and friend, Principal, Clinton Turner. We shared a few laughs, and I was honored to have met him with my Son. Vicariously, Dr. Turner's legacy will continue to push the culture forward through us all, as long as we continue to believe! Take care and God Bless. -Darryl Boyd, and The Dotson Family

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Dear Mrs. Turner and family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I will never forget Dr. Turner's kindness, smile, and laugh. I am grateful I had the opportunity to see you both in October. My memories of Dr. Turner and you are very happy dating back to when he did his student teaching in Halifax, VA. I remember when you both met and began dating. It was the talk of the town (smile). He was blessed! Please know you and your family are in my prayers. May God comfort you. Virginia Gibson Hawkins

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Clint's passing saddens me. My positive memories shall always remain from our student days at Virginia State College to the times that our individual service to our alma mater and the Commonwealth of Virginia overlapped. He was always direct, honest and of good cheer. My prayers for comfort and peace are offered for the Turner Family. God Bless. Rest in Peace, Clinton.

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Aldora, I know you, and family, know the esteem in which I held Clint. I was always made proud in my travels across the country to hear words of praise and compliments regarding his representation of Virginia. You and family have my deepest sympathy; Clint "done us proud". Doug Wilder

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I am saddened to hear of Dr. Turner's passing. He was most supportive during my tenure at VSU in Cooperative Extension. I appreciated his leadership and professional direction. I send my sincere condolences to his wife and family, Barry Fox

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Dearest Aldora and family, I am so saddened by the loss of your beloved husband. It was an honor to know Clint, such a kind, accomplished and exceptional person. I share your grief at this very difficult time. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May beautiful memories give you comfort. May the grace of God grant you peace, holding you closely in His arms. Much love and many blessings, Juanita Ragland Doby (Laguna Beach, CA)

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My sincere condolences to the Turner family. I am truly grateful for the support Dr Turner gave to me and my catering business throughout the years. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Gary Boss

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Our sincere condolences Audrey Thornton, CEO Cassandra Freeman, Director Open Door Communications Group, LLC Bristow, Virginia

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Dr. Turner was Commissioner of Agriculture when I was working as Assistant to the Commissioner. He was an extraordinary leader and friend. We went to the former Soviet Union in 1992 with a delegation of agribusiness folks from Virginia and he did a great job of representing Virginia and agriculture. I will never forget how well Dr. Turner worked with people and communicated so well with everyone he met. I have been fortunate to meet and work with Dr. Turner again over the nearly three decades since he left his position as Commissioner. He will be greatly missed by all who had the fortunate to know and to work with him. Roy Seward

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As we all make our journey through this life, I must say that meeting & learning about the love of the land and its products from Dr Turner @ the Eppington Plantation is a high point in my lifelong learning experience. Simply a giant. Incredible personality very humble and effective man of character. His faith shown brightly through his life. Peace, Al Meyer

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Clinton and I came to know each other professionally only in the last three years through my fifty-one year friendship with Emmett and Pamela Green. In that short period of time, I knew him to be a man of integrity, faith, and a visionary leader. An advocate for youth through commitments to a university education as well as to less fortunate disenfranchised populations. The passion he had will continue through the many lives he touched. Clinton will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to Aldora and the family.

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I never knew your husband, father, friend, but I have an understanding of his influence, intelligence, and affable countenance through his son, Principal Clinton Turner. Family means a great deal to Principal Turner, and my heart and prayers are with you all. The best of parents are reflected in their children, and Dr. Turner can rest in peace knowing he passed on many of his qualities to his namesake. In this way, Dr. Turner lives on. Julie Hursey

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Aldora, Know that our thoughts are there in sympathy with you and your Family. Jean and Clifton McClenney

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Aldora and your sons and their families . I was taken back when I read about Clinton's death . I remember you all's time in Halifax and before . Grandmother and mother thought so much of your mother and all her kindness's to the family here . Mother always enjoyed her meetings with you and I know how much Mildred Evans thought of you , too . Reading about Clinton caused my mind to turn backwards to folks we have loved . My thoughts and prayers in Christ go forth each of you . In Peace , Chip Pottage

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My deepest sympathy and prayers to you, Aldora and your family. I had the distinct pleasure of working closely with Dr. Turner during his time serving as President on the Eppington Foundation. He was a kind, compassionate and wonderful individual and his guidance and leadership with the Board will be missed by all of us. Bryan Truzzie

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While I did not know Dr.Turner, I truly enjoyed reading about a life so well-lived. Usually I would skip reading such a long obituary, but his smile showed a sense of humor and I wanted to read more about him. He certainly made the most of his life, both professionally and personally. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, Elizabeth Lee Wrenn.

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Sincerest sympathy to you,Aldora,and your family . We are holding you close in prayer and in our hearts. Patricia and Pernell Taylor 6J

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My sincere condolences and prayers to the Turner family during this time of bereavement. Brother Clinton was a kind and gentle spirit and a voice of reason within the fraternity of Kappa Alpha Psi(Petersburg Alumni). May God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time. Brother J. Otis Harris, Jr. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Petersburg Alumn '85

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Aldora, Clinton Jr., and Michael - Words are just not enough! You and your family have been a part of my life for many, many years, and you all are very dear to me, John, and my Mother. I pray for your strength now and in the coming days. Clint was one of a kind, he left the world a better place, and he will undoubtedly be missed! Much love to you. John and Connie (Hill) Galloway, and Lena Hill

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On behalf of all at Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department, we send our most sincere condolences to the entire Turner family. It was a pleasure serving with Dr. Clint Turner on the Eppington Foundation Board where he served as our President until God called him home. We are grateful for Dr. Turner's many years of dedicated service. Sincerely, Dr. James Worsley, Director

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Aldora and family please know that we are praying for you. The Apostle Paul reminds us to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Daddy gave his talents, skills, and gifts to the building of God's kingdom. I know you will miss him but God has decided to call him home to rest from his earthly labors. We pray God's peace upon you and your family and His peace will sustain you during this difficult time. God's blessings upon each of you. Gerard and Judy Dabney

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Sincere condolences to the Turner family. Dr. Turner was an honorable man of God; visionary, sincerity, humor, tenacity and love were just a few of the many wonderful qualities he possessed. May his legacy live on through family and friends. God is able to do exceeding and abundantly, more than we can ever ask for. May God comfort and take care of each one of you during this difficult time. Michael A. Piercy Sr. VSU Agriculture Alumni Association

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On behalf of all in Virginia Cooperative Extension, we send our most sincere condolences. We hold the family of Dr. Turner in our hearts and prayers. Dr. Turner contributed so much to Extension and all past and future Extension professionals have benefited from his dedication and commitment. Ed Jones

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Clint was my co worker , my boss and. My friend We worked together in Agriculture for over 40 years We will miss his humor Much Love Yvette Robinson Agriculture Alumni Chapter/ VSUAA

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From the Harold W.Greene Family Dr.Turner was a great man. He will be missed in the education field, where he has done so much for our young people. My prayers go out to his wife Aldora, my cousin and the Turner family. We love you. Dana Harold Greene (Peedle)

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Our Dearest Aldora & Family, Dr. Turner "Clint" was a precious and dear friend to us. Such a strong supporter of the College of Agriculture, VSU. He was passionate about the University and the continued growth of the school. Your friendship was so refreshing and dear to newcomers, such as us, to Virginia State University. You graciously opened your home and provided us a wonderful opportunity to engage in dialogue and discussions of life. We will always hold you near and dear in our hearts. Please know you have a friend in Tina & Ray McKinnie. Words cannot express the sorrow you feel, the heartache you bear, though we cannot comprehend, still we deeply care. May it comfort you to know, we lift you and the Turner family in prayer. May you lean upon our Savior, Jesus Christ for he is always there, and so are we.

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Condolences and prayers for the Turner family during this very sad time. Dr. Turner's words of wisdom and leadership acumen were often shared by his son Clinton and helped shape our work at DCPS. He was not only very much loved but also respected. Surely, he will be missed. Mary Ann Stinson

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Clint was such a gentleman and consumate professional. He was an uplifting advisory to me during some challenges in my career. I am proud to have known and worked with him through Virginia Cooperative Extension. Bonnie Braun

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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