Obituary

" for we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."  2 Corinthians 5:1

Melvin Turner was born in Homer, Louisiana , in the community of Mt. Pisgah to the union of the late Molen o Matthew Turner and Lillian Norton Turner on May 2, 1931.  Melvin transitioned from mortality to immortality at 2:06 p.m. on Mon day, February 14, 2022 . He was 90 years old.

Melvin accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Pisgah CME Church in Homer. Later, he joined Phillips Temple, CME Church in Shreveport, La. He was a faithful, God-fearing man who demonstrated h is devotion to h is family and community through countless acts and deeds.

Melvin was united in holy matrimony with Hazel Mardis Turner, and to this union two beautiful daughters – Carla and Melva Kristi – were born. He was a loving and devoted husband and father .

After graduating from Homer Colored H igh S chool, Melvin joined the United States A rmy d uring which time he had the opportunity to travel throughout the world . He truly enjoyed living in Germany and remained fluent in German until his death.  After being honorably discharge d from the military, he enrolled at Grambling State University from which he earned a b ac helor's degree in ma thematics and c omputer s cience .

He began his professional career in education as a m athematics i nstructor with the Webster Parish School System .  He subsequently served as an assistant principal in that district. Later, he attended Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama , from where he earned a m aster 's degree in m athematics e ducation in 1968 .

Melvin completed further stud ies in advanced mathematics from the University of San Francisco and the University of Rochester.

After returning from Rochester, New York and working in Oakland, California, Hazel and Mel settled in Shreveport, Louisiana where Melvin was recruited to bec o me an administrator at Southern University at Shreveport in 1970 .  His contributions to Southern were many , as he served as Professor of M athematics and C omputer S cience, C oordinator of Title II I Programs, D irector of F ederal P rograms, and E xecutive A ssistant to the C hancellor.

A published author , Melvin's publication entitled, "It's a Computerized World" , which was made possible through his scholarship from Brookline College in Boston, Massachusetts , served as a reference and training manual for students and professionals.

Melvin was a member of many civic and social organizations including, the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, the North Shreveport Kiwanis Club, National Boy Scouts of America, The Turner Hunting Club (founder), and shared a fraternal bond with the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Throughout his life he was known not only to be intellectual, but for having a giving heart, a warm and ready smile , and a quick wit . He was the king of nicknames and often adorned loved ones and friends with loving and funny names. Mel was the consummate raconteur , who enjoyed regaling his audiences with memorable and funny stories and jokes. As the family historian , he would often present the Norton/Turner F amily Reunion historical overview during gatherings . He was a phenomenal speaker whose commanding voice captivated audiences and was often called upon to keynote numerous events.

A country b o y at heart, Melvin was devoted to making a difference in the community in which he grew up and was often found on the weekends tending to the many acres of farmland on " Turner Territory " . An avid outdoorsman, he was highly regarded for his knowledge of and proficiency in fishing and hunting.  As one would guess, Mel had many stories, some true and some to be questioned about his fishing and hunting adventures. Following in his late father 's footsteps , he was also a great businessman and finance professional. H is business acumen allowed him to own several businesses including a successful cattle company with his brother Lee .

Me l vin was preceded in death by Hazel, his devoted wife of many years; sisters: Allie Mae Turner Scott and Zelma Turner Grigsby; and brothers: Chester Turner and Myron Turner.

Left to cherish is precious memories and continue his legacy of excellence are daughters: Carla Cowthorn (Darren) and Dr. Melva Kristi Williams; t wo sisters: Icia Mae Herron and Thelma Daley (Atlanta, GA), t wo brothers: Cleotis Turner (Winifred) and Leartis Turner (Patsy) ; two grandchildren: Que'brelyn Hill and Winston Hill, III; three great-grandchildren: Aleiya , Princeton , and Jord y n; two special nieces who were devoted and loving caretakers, Chaylone Bridges and Teresa Crew and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.