James Avery Turner

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.  II Timothy 4:6-7

James "Avery" Turner was born September 26, 1946 in Eudora, Arkansas, the second child of eight children born to Henry and R. E. Turner. Avery departed this earthly life on February 14, 2023 at Lake Village Rehabilitation Center. 

Avery was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ as his personal Savior in August 1958 at the Holly Ridge Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend O. W. Dixon.  Avery remained a faithful member at Holly Ridge until his health failed and served the church in various capacities, including Chairman of the Deacons and choir member.  Avery was crowned as Deacon on January 18, 1970.

Avery graduated from East High School in 1963.  Avery was employed by Uncle Ben's for 24 years and retired on November 30, 2001. Avery was active in the community and served on the Eudora School Board for 16 years, the Eudora City Council for 4 years and as Chicot County Justice of the Peace for 15 years. Avery was passionate about farming and mechanics.  Avery was a businessman; he and his wife Danita opened the Eudora Skate Zone in July 2004.   

Avery was preceded in death by his parents - Henry and R. E. Turner and five siblings – Henry Turner, Jr., Chotard Turner, Allen Turner, Sr., Ethel Mae Crosby, and Elizabeth Woods.

He leaves to cherish his memories: the apple of his eye; his devoted wife of 23 years, Danita B. Turner; four daughters – Kassandra Faye Tate of McGehee, AR, Joyce Turner of Collierville, TN, Averlin Turner of Conway, AR and Taqueria Patrick of Alexander, AR; two brothers - Robert (Neko) Turner of Fort Worth, TX and Reverend Thomas (Benita) Turner of Discovery Bay, CA; five grandchildren – Avery (Petrina) Turner, Candace Turner, Quinderrian (Jonae) Grant,      DeKendria Young and Ashton Turner; five great-grandchildren – Kei'Myra Wilburn, Jordan      Wilburn, Jayden Grant, Caleb Grant and Avi Turner; four Godchildren – Erros ( Olivia) Smith,   Eddie Williams, Jr., Cherish Short and Faith Short; eight sisters-in-law - Velvit Turner Hudson, Claudia (Robert) Avery, Monalisa Alexander, Sherri Reggans, Sacajawea (Robert) Irvin, Brenda (Alvin) Tucker, Brenda Alexander and Denise Baker; three brothers-in-law - John Alexander, Michael (Tokeitha) Anderson and Otis Alexander; a special aunt – Jessie Morris and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his Holly Ridge Church Family.

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