Virgil Turner

Virgil Turner, 85, of Lonoke was called home to be with the Lord on October 19, 2016. He was born June 4, 1931, the sixth of seven children born to James and Eliza Turner in Mineral Springs, Ark. His siblings preceded him in death. Virgil spent his childhood in Tollette, Ark. At age 17 he enlisted in the US Army and was deployed during the Korean War and the German Occupation. After six years of service he was honorably discharged and returned home to complete high school. He attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration. In 1958 he married the love of his life, Lillie Mae Jones of Lonoke, Ark. Four children were born to this union. Virgil relocated to the Chicago area in 1959 where he lived for 23 years. There he served in various community organizations including the Chicago Board of Education, Children's Hospital and the Cook County Community and Economic Development Association. After a brief period residing in Los Angeles, he returned to the Chicago area and ultimately relocated to Lillie's childhood home of Lonoke, Arkansas. In Lonoke he continued in public service as the Executive Director of the Arkansas AIDS Foundation, coordinator of the Smart Take Charge program, and the Lonoke High School POWER program. He served on the Lonoke Quorum Court, Lonoke Park District, and worked as a consultant for non-profit organizations. A man of strong faith, he was ordained as a minister at St. Paul Church in 1995 and served as an Associate Minister at Union Valley in Lonoke and Prairie Chapel in Hazen. At the time of his passing he was a member of Lonoke Assembly of God where he served as a substitute Sunday School teacher. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Viewing will be at Serenity Funeral Home from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24. Family, Friends and Fellowship, Monday, Oct. 24 from 6-7 p.m. at Lonoke Assembly of God. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 25, 11 a.m. at Lonoke Baptist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Services entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 1851 Marshall Street, Little Rock, (501) 374-5025. Online guestbook www.serenityfuneralhomear.com "Providing Service of Excellence." In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Carver Alumni Association, P.O. Box 403, Lonoke Ark. 72086 a 501c3.