Alma J. Turner

Alma J. Turner was the only child born to the late Margaret Wilhoite and Howard Hayes, Sr., on March 2, 1943. She departed this earthly life on July 31, 2025. Alma accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, when she joined St. Matthew A.M.E. Church.

Alma was educated in the Nashville Davidson County Public School System where she attended Haynes High School. She had a long and rewarding career at Vanderbilt University Hospital as a phlebotomist. She retired after 40 plus years of dedicated service. Family and friends lovingly knew Alma as “A.T.”. She was quick-witted; she loved life and lived it to the fullest! Alma was a loyal Tennessee Titans fan and sports enthusiast. She was also an avid bowler, enjoyed travel, baking, and had a passion for crafting, collecting shoes, and dolls. In her early years, she was an active member of the Orbits Social Club. In her later years, she formed a group of seasoned divas, affectionately known as “The Hens”. Her family dearly loved her, and she loved equally in return. 

Alma leaves to cherish her memory, children; Cassandra “Sand” Hayes-Branch, Terry Turner, Sr., and Jeff (Tammie) Turner; grandchildren; Terrell Turner, April “AJT” Turner, Toran Travis Turner, Jaya Turner, Terry “TJ” Turner, Jr., Terri Lynn Turner, Albert Ryans, Zyan Turner, Jaylan Turner, Jamya Turner, Kemontta Coleman, Paris Anthony and Addy (her baby doll); great grandchildren; Joseph “Chico” Kelly, Jr., Ayrian “AJ” Merriwether, Athalia Turner-Ledesma; sister, Darlene Braxton of Burlington Ontario, Canada; devoted cousins, Frankie Jones and Pastor Patty Camp; Sister/Friends, aka The Hens, Annie Avant, Bessie Hunter, Peggy Teasley, Ella Jones and Wilma Hayes; long-time family friend, Donna Vaughn; devoted niece, Karen Robertson-Pitts and a host of other family and friends.