House Concurrent Resolution 42

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION MOURNING THE LOSS AND COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MRS. HILDA MOORE TURNER.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on February 15, 2024, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mrs. Hilda Moore Turner, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to her family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the City of Fayette lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, friend and community treasure with the passing of Mrs. Turner, who was born on June 1, 1944, in Fayette, Mississippi, to the late Luke and Regina Morgan Moore; and

WHEREAS, being from a large family, she learned early the great art of cooking and the high standards of work ethics, and at the age of 15, Mrs. Turner left school and took on a full-time job of housekeeping, which sharpened her skills of being a great wife and mother; and

WHEREAS, on September 7, 1963, Mrs. Turner exchanged the vows of holy matrimony with the love of her life, Mr. Percy Turner, and "Rock," which was what she would affectionally call him and "Jo," his pet name for her, created a Christian home for their three children, Vincent "Rick", Brenda and Tammie; and

WHEREAS, a woman of uncompromised faith, Mrs. Turner was baptized at an early age at the Hollywood Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend M.J. Irving, and in 1990, she united with the Pine Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of her husband, the late Reverend Percy Turner, and she now enjoys the eternal peace described in Luke 2:29, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word"; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Turner blossomed as founder and President of The Willing Workers and a member of the Mother Board, and for over 40 years, she served as the First Lady of Taylor Chapel, Pine Grove, Smithland, Bethlehem, Gold Mount, Greenleaf and Shiloh Baptist Churches; and

WHEREAS, because she was a very hard worker, Mrs. Turner worked alongside her husband in the dry cleaners for many years, then ITT Automotive, and finally Fleck, and in 1990, she became a full-time homemaker and made her mark throughout the region with her famous homemade pound cakes, and she cherished her time with her family and gardening; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband for over 50 years, Reverend Dr. Percy Turner; her son, Vincent Turner, her parents, three brothers and two sisters, the memory of Mrs. Hilda Moore Turner, a woman held in the highest regard by friends and family as an inspiring and precious gift from God, will continue to refresh the hearts and memories of her beloved survivors: daughters, Brenda T. Buck and Tammie (Moir) Donelson; niece and nephew, Shaletha (Jamie) Martin and Alfred Turner; God daughter, Jessica Hunter; grandchildren, Percy (Alicia) Turner, Vincent Delon (Rodnesha) Buck, Amber Donelson, Haley Turner, Brittany Buck, Brandy (Phelisha) Pabon, Ashlynn Donelson, Dea'Breaun Turner, Colin Donelson, Tyrese Buck, Coby Donelson, Jadyn Hadnot, Zoe Johnson and Layla Martin; great-grandchildren, Jodi Hayes, Haiden Adams, Alia Williams, Avah Adams, Wesley Brown, Jr., Nova Buck and Ka'hari Clark; sisters, Dorothy Johnson, Matteal Shaw, Corrie Hunt, Mary White, Regina (Robert) Kent and Ruby (Larry) Scott; brothers, James (Lucy) Moore and Charles (Earlie); aunt, Gladys Tyler; sisters and brothers-in-law, William Turner, Robert Turner, Aaron (Linda) Turner, Rosie Turner, Nathan (Jackie) Turner, Lou Etta (Stonewall) Jackson, Shirley (James) Oliver and Leotyne Turner; son-in-law, Vincent K. Buck; daughter-in-law, Debra Turner; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the lives of fine Mississippians, especially those such as Mrs. Hilda Moore Turner, a gracious woman who loved her family, friends and community unconditionally, bringing glory and honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Mrs. Hilda Moore Turner, and express deepest sympathy to her family and friends upon her passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mrs. Hilda Moore Turner and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.