Barbara Ida Turner
1938-2011
I would like to dedicate this service today, as we talk about the local church, to Miss Barbara Ida Turner
who was an active member here for over 25 years.
Barbara went to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on April 16, 2011 from the Maycourt Hospice here in Ottawa.
Barb, as she was affectionately known around here, was born in Ottawa on May 28, 1938 to Vernerd & Doris Turner as their only child.
Barb worked in the Federal Government until her retirement on March 13, 1998 and received an Award of Merit for her years of faithful service.
Faithfulness and service were a hallmark of her life.
As a member of Lifecentre, she asked if she could volunteer her time to help our former primary school, Life Christian Academy. I asked her what she would like to do and she said, “I’d like to come in every night after work and clean the school.”
That meant emptying the garbage and vacuuming each classroom along with the entire hallway. Barb did this faithfully for over 25 years and she also chose to clean the lobby and halls after services on Sunday.
Barb also volunteered her time at the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard reviewing what food was still edible for those who needed a healthy meal. Not a pleasant task but one that was absolutely necessary.
Barb also volunteered at the Bill Prankard Evangelistic Association to stuff envelopes and prepare mail outs.
She embraced the wider Body of Christ and could be found at area suppers, recitals, plays and special events that honoured Jesus.
As her pastor for all those years, I want to say how blessed we were as a local church for her dedication and willingness to serve without fanfare or fuss.
She loved Jesus, she loved His church and it showed in her acts of kindness on behalf of others.
I want to welcome some of Barb’s close friends here today and thank them for their attendance to honour her memory.
On a final note, Barb’s wishes were specific to me as her Executor. No fanfare and no fuss.
Focus on the victory she is enjoying through Jesus Christ and celebrate her life as lived for Him and for His glory.
And so we dedicate today’s service to the memory of Barbara Ida Turner - well done, good and faithful servant.
Some quotes from the Facebook Page include;
- "so blessed to have her in our lives...
- a sweetheart...
- our loss, heaven's gain...
- we will miss her...
- I looked forward to our chats...
- she would always sit beside me at school and put her arm around me. Too bad we didn't see each other as adults. I would have put my arm around her...
- great was her faithfulness...
- she gave me a doll when I was little, I still have it...
- thank God for people like Barb with servant's hearts...
- we cleaned the school one day to surprise her but she cried. We'd taken away her opportunity to serve...
- she was many things to many people but to us she will always be Barbie."
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