Avis Joyce Turner

Visitation will be held Saturday ,February 7, 2026 from 10am-4pm at our South Dekalb Chapel 4347 Flat Shoals Pkwy, Decatur GA 30034. Soro time will be taking place at 4pm .Services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026 11:00AM at Bethel Family Christian Church. 2217 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA. 30035 Avis Carver Turner was born February 17, 1931, in New York City to Wayman and Joyce Carver, and entered eternal rest on January 29, 2026. Avis completed her early education in New York City. In 1941, her family relocated to Atlanta, where she attended Booker T. Washington High School and later graduated from David T. Howard High School. She went on to earn a B.A. in Social Science from Clark College in 1952 and an M.A. in Political Science from Boston University in 1953. A devoted educator, Avis began teaching in the 1950s in the Atlanta Public Schools and later served as a professor at Texas College. Avis later married Weyman Shepherd Turner, and together they welcomed one son, Weyman Solomon Turner. She continued her career in the Fulton County School System, where her social studies students earned top honors in local and statewide competitions. As a lifelong learner, Avis continued to pursue academic excellence, earning her Education Specialist degree in Political Science from Georgia State University in 1978. She retired in 1986 and later served as a substitute teacher in DeKalb County for ten years. Avis also worked in real estate for 13 years and served six- years on the DeKalb County Board of Equalization. A woman of deep Christian faith, she served faithfully in every church she joined, as a Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, musician, and volunteer. In 2019, she became a member of Kelley Chapel United Methodist Church, where she worked diligently in the Clothes Closet, Food Distribution Ministry, and other church efforts. Recreation and hobbies were a joyful part of her life. Avis was an avid Scrabble player, a lover of classic love songs, and a devoted duplicate bridge player. A member of the American Bridge Association since 1954, she became a certified teacher, co-founded the East Metro Duplicate Bridge Club, and served as the ABA’s first History and Archives Chairperson. Her service earned her the ABA’s highest honors, including Life Membership. She was also active in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the G.T.G.’s Civic and Social Club, the Birthday Party Club, and the East Metro Duplicate Bridge Club. Avis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Weyman Shepherd Turner. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Weyman Solomon Turner (Patrice); five grandsons, Weyman Solomon Turner, Jr. (Tracy), Shepherd Darnell Turner (Aisha), Jarrod Lamar Turner (Cheryl), Jeremy Tremayne Turner (Michelle), and Jason Trammell Turner (Christyn); nineteen great grandchildren, one great- great grandchild, and a host of relatives and friends.

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Avis Joyce Turner

February 17, 1931 - January 29, 2026