Viola (Clark) Turner

In Celebration of the Life & Love

Viola Clark-Turner

A heart so beautiful, a feisty spirit so pure, it was clear to see that her purpose was heavenly.

On May 16, 1916 Abe and Emma Turner Clark welcomed Viola Turner-Clark into the world.  She was the oldest sister of six (6) brothers, Four (4) sisters who preceded her in death.

She attended school in McKamine, Arkansas.

After she left McKamine, Arkansas she moved to Kansas City, Missouri (Westport) where destiny stepped in the day she met and married Nathan Turner.  She often joked that she never wanted to be married to him, but their love story spanned over seventy (70) years.   From their union and their love they created Emma Virginia Turner-Wren and Nathan Turner, Jr. (Deceased).  From their children they were blessed with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She worked for some time during World War II at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant.  After the war she worked at KU Medical Center for a period of time as a Nursing Assistant.  She then left KU Medical Center and worked at Dixon-Dively Clinic as a Physical Therapist Technician.  At that time (1950’s) the clinic started a Practical Nursing Program.   A program where candidates had to be recommended by the Doctors according to their hard work history.  Viola was the first black candidate recommended for the program, which earned her a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate.  Viola decided to remain a Physical Therapist Technician until the age of sixty-two (62).   She left Dixon-Dively Clinic to work at St. Luke’s Hospital as a Physical Therapist Technician until she was seventy-eight (78) years old.  Sher retired.

Viola’s fierce love for her family was matched only by her unwavering commitment to the Lord.  This commitment shaped her life and created a legacy that one could only see as a shining example of heart truly dedicated for pleasing God.  She was one of the longest residing member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.  During her tenure there she held positions consisting of the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, Usher Board Member, Chairman of the Building Ground Committee, Treasurer of the Heating & Cooling Committee, and finally she contributed the Bathroom Renovation Project and donated Bibles to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and Mount Calvary Church.

With all the love that she gave, she was never known to be a sugar-coater.  Even if you did not want to hear it, she would tell you the truth about yourself and your circumstance.  She was the woman you wanted to talk to.  She would send you in the right direction; she would pint you to the Lord and his Word. 

To live a life that was pleasing to God was her heart’s desire.   And no one could argue that, as she is now in the presence of Jesus.  He has opened His arms to her and has told her “Well Done”.  Her family, friends, and all who she has touched, salute her, and tell her “Well Done”.       

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