Marvis Turner

Obituary For Marvis Turner

Marvis Jean Simmons Turner was born to the late Percy and Ora Lee Simmons on September 19, 1946, in Hollywood, Mississippi. She serenely left her earthly vessel on April 13, 2023. Shortly after her birth, the Simmons family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Marvis grew to love the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age at Hopewell M.B. Church under the leadership of Reverend L.M. McNeil.

Marvis was affectionately known as “Jean”. She embraced the idea of family and shared her love with all who crossed her path. She attended Carnes School and Manassas High School where she developed a passion for sewing.

Jean married Julius “Jukebox” Turner on February 16, 1965, and to this union, five children were born. Jean also loved Reginald Vaughn (Jukebox’s son) as her own. This family unit included her children, her younger siblings, and Jukebox’s younger siblings, to whom she was very instrumental in their lives.

Jean embarked on a career as a seamstress for Bert’s Men Clothing Store. She formed a clientele of patrons who depended on her expertise to style and tailor their suits. Jean was promoted to store manager and encouraged her sisters (Brenda Jean and Faye Simmons) to work with her in a male dominated field. Jean made several outfits for her daughters, sisters, and friends. Jean enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings. Fishing was her favorite sport and traveling was a fun hobby for her.

The vicissitudes of life commanded her to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee. Jean worked for Regions Bank until retirement. In Nashville, she gained many lasting friendships, and she had a special love for the Shannon family. She later returned to Memphis to devote her time to her loving family.

Jean leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters, Tonya (Donald) Kerr, Tammie (Marvin) Hester, and Tiffany (Markell) Shipp; one brother, Percy (Mary) Simmons; six sisters, Mildred Robinson, Pearlie Simmons, Earnestine (Robert) Caldwell, Brenda Joyce (Orlanda) Hill, Brenda Jean Anderson of Memphis, Tennessee, and Faye (Rufus) Taylor of Sacramento, California; a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Lee; and a brother-in-law, Freddie (Jacqueline) Turner. Grandma Jean will be greatly missed by her nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Turner; sons, Reginald Vaughn, Gerald Turner, and Nicol Turner; and granddaughter, Keierra McNeil.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 21, 2023 from 4:00pm-6:00pm, funeral service will Saturday April 22, 2023 at 12:00noon both will be held at RS Lewis & Sons 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38128

Internment will be in Memphis Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133