August 25, 2024, 79. Goldsboro —
Laura Jean Jones Turnage, affectionately called “Jean” by family and friends was born January 8, 1945, in Wayne County, North Carolina to the late Litman Jones and Jemima Parks Jones. She answered God‘s summons to rest in her eternal home on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Jean attended the public schools of Wayne County, Goldsboro North Carolina, and graduated from Dillard High School in 1963. After graduating, Jean went to Brooklyn, New York where she was employed at New York Telephone Company and later transferred to a telephone company in Washington, DC until her return to Goldsboro. She resumed her career at BellSouth until they closed their doors.
Jean was an excellent and exquisite dresser; everything was always matching and in place. She enjoyed her privacy but looked forward to her class reunions. She also looked forward to cooking and preparing meals for family members.
Since joining Word of Truth Church Ministries, Jean has been a faithful and devoted member who loves her pastor and church family.
Jean met and fell in love with her soulmate Bruce Turnage. They were united in marriage in 1982. They enjoyed many years of happiness, traveling to various beaches and vacationing. They did not have children by birth, however, they shared a love of their dog and cat which were their children.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents Litman and Jemima Jones, two brothers Samuel (Bro) and Thomas (Tom), and three sisters LaEura, Ernestine, and Delores.
Jean’s loving memory will be cherished by her loving husband Bruce of the home, brother; Thurman Jones of Goldsboro NC; three brothers-in-law, Arthur Ray (Janet) Turnage, Ralph (Martha) Turnage, David Turnage (Delores) all of Mount Olive, NC. Three sister-in-laws; Margaret (Willie – Deceased) Florence, NC, Hilda (Jean) Kid, Doris (Bill) Newell all of Dudley, NC; six special nephews, Terry Aycock (Roberta) of Fort Washington, Maryland, Darrin Aycock (Robin) of Laurel, Maryland, Gregory Wellington of Burke, Virginia, Michael McKinzie of Goldsboro, NC, Ben Curry McKinzie (Cathy) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Anthony Jones of Seattle, Washington; three special nieces; Gail Maddox of Charlotte, NC, Robin Jones-Armstrong of Hampton, Virginia, Yvette Jones, of Charlotte, NC; two great nephews, James Aycock of Maryland, Benjamin McKinzie, Jr. of Texas, three great nieces; Monique Aycock of Georgia, Arynthiea Jones-Quash (Derrick) of Hampton, Virginia, Stefanie Johnson (Keith) of Denton, Maryland, Camellia McKinsey of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Special cousins, Conswello Jackson, Darryl Carter, Joyce ”Ludy” Stanford (Peter), Geri Sherard, and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Wayne Memorial Park Mausoleum in Dudley with Bishop Timothy L. Dortch officiating. Viewing will follow the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Word of Truth Christian Fellowship in her memory.
Professional services are entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
