Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Elthea.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Elthea L. Turner
Homegoing Celebration for Elthea Louise Turner
Sunrise – January 19, 1956 Sunset – August 9, 2016
Tuesday August 23, 2016 11:00 a.m.
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church 2343 N. San Antonio Avenue| Pomona, CA 91768 Samuel Alexander, Assistant Pastor Elder Malcolm Stokes, Officiating
Reflection of Life Elthea Louise Turner was born in Van Nuys, California on January 19, 1956 to loving parents Cletus Jr. and Elsie Wallace Turner. She was the youngest of six children. Affectionately known by her mother as “LuLu”. Her family and friends called her “Peia”, “Thea”, and “Peas”. She was known for her spunky and comedic personality. She was someone special to all who knew and loved her.
Elthea grew up in Pasadena and Altadena, California, where she attended John Muir High School.
She started singing at a young age while attending Holy Deliverance Pentecostal church under the leadership of Pastor Rogers G DeCuir. She was well-known all over the country for her beautiful, melodious soprano voice. She traveled singing at various church services and many other special programs. Her love and deep passion for singing was shown every time she belted out her favorite tunes including “When I See Jesus”. Her anointed singing brought comfort and joy to many.
On February 5, 1982 she married Jesse Wardlaw Sr. and to this union, they were blessed with a baby girl named Joye LaTreese. Elthea remained by her daughter’s side every step of the way whether in church, helping at school or afterschool events. There was nothing she would not do or try to get accomplished on behalf of her daughter to ensure that she was a child of God, well educated, and loved immensely. She affectionately called Joye her “Backpack”.
In the early nineties, Elthea became a member of New Gethsemane Church of God in Christ (Now New Direction) under the leadership of then Pastor Now Bishop Dr. Raymond E. Watts Sr. She was involved in several ministries and served faithfully in the children and youth department. She was a Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher, praise dance and mime instructor, step team leader, drama and performing arts ministry leader, and served for over twelve years as a state chaperone for the SoCal First Jurisdiction Youth Congress. Her loving dedication to the body of Christ and various ministries were truly one of a kind and will forever be missed by the lives she impacted over the years.
Elthea was preceded in death by her parents, Cletus Jr. and Elsie Turner and her husband Jesse. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter Joye Wardlaw and Canine Grandchild Nyla Belle of Pomona, CA, five siblings: Annie Elwanda Griffis of San Bernardino, CA, Lynda Timberlake of Redlands, CA, Cletus Turner III of San Bernardino, CA, Nina (Arthur) Ramos of Loma Linda, CA, and Clyde (Cheryl Lynn) Turner of Palmdale, CA, Godmothers: Bettye McCroey, Brenda Hayes, Dorothy Evans, and Billie Bunch, a host of godsisters and brothers, godchildren, relatives, church family and friends.
