Obituary of Dr. Robyn Sareta Wallace Turner

MARION, Va. Dr. Robyn S. Turner, age 64, died Friday, September 23, 2016 at her home in Marion, Va. Doctor Robyn Sareta (Wallace) Turner was born to the union of Richard and Lorraine Wallace on March 24, 1952, in Columbus, OH. Before she came out of the womb God sanctified Robyn and ordained her a pastor. Robyn, meaning “birds”, was destined to soar with the eagles. Her childhood was riddled with illness ranging from the typical chicken-pox to the life-threatening plight of rheumatic fever. However, God knew the thoughts that He thought towards her…thoughts to give her an expected end. Robyn, as a youth, established her personal foundation of excellence. As an athlete, she was fundamentally proficient in volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading. At 13, she became self-employed as a baby-sitter. Achieving a high standard of social status, Robyn was presented to society as a debutante of 1968. Academically, Robyn was an honor roll student and graduated with honors. After graduation, Robyn, age of 18, planned to attend college in pursuit of a degree in nursing. However, God destined she meet Lester Turner. “Lester,” she remarked, “was like no other ‘Christian’ she knew.” His lifestyle challenged her to pursue a deeper relationship with God. Consequently, in November of 1970, Robyn was baptized in the name of Jesus by James C. Turner in Kingsport, TN and filled with the Holy Ghost at Bible Way Church in Columbus, OH. Developing her love for God and deeply in love with Lester, Robyn Wallace became Robyn Turner January 1, 1971 in Kingsport TN. To their union God blessed them with six children. “Children are the heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” Robyn was the model Proverbs 31 woman; “her children [have risen up}, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Pursuing God and being obedient, Sister Robyn (Twinkle) became a member of Mt. Zion Tabernacle in Kingsport, TN. She served in various capacities including but not limited to cook, usher, praise leader, choir director of Kids of the Kingdom and Mt. Zion Tabernacle Choir. She instituted an annual choir banquet. Robyn’s lessons and experiences prepared her for a greater calling. In 1980, by faith, Lester, Robyn and four children moved to Chattanooga, TN and began the Emmanuel Pentecostal Church. The ministry that began in a home of Norma Smith quickly moved to a storefront. As the first lady, Robyn served every capacity from help to friend to minister. Sadly, Sister Robyn and family returned to Kingsport, TN in 1981. However, the ministry of Emmanuel Pentecostal is a thriving work for the Kingdom of God. In 1984, following the mandate of Elder James Turner, Lester, Robyn and her family began the commute to Marion, VA to conduct services at Mt. Zion Temple Church. Though weakly established work, Robyn under the direction of Lester pioneered the development of youth ministry, women’s ministry, children Christian Education classes, children’s choir, and youth choir. She helped clean houses, comb hair, bought clothes, and cooked meals. Obediently and faithfully, they served Pastor James Turner. In 1990, Sister Robyn became the First Lady of Mt. Zion Temple, as her husband became the pastor. The church experienced unprecedented growth as the dynamic duo pursued God’s heart and executed His vision. Together, the church building was expanded, Mt. Zion Temple Academy was founded, Heavenbound Crusades were birth, and many ministries were created. Sister Robyn was a worship leader, preacher, teacher, director, administrator, supporter, and more. Consistently and relentlessly, she served. In 2001, God being faithful to His Word to the faithful, He manifested His calling of Pastorate in the life of Pastor Robyn Turner – “To God be the glory for the things He has done.” Because of her God-given vision, Mt. Zion Temple Family Worship Center has undergone an exceptional transformation. As a family, Mt. Zion has blossomed in worship. The insightful and challenging Biblical teaching, has propelled the church into a passionate level of worship to God and a deep revelation of God. Communities programs were birthed: Agape House, Agape Summer and After-school program, Prudence Child-Care, Take It to the Streets Sunday School, The “Energizer”, Right to the Heart of Women Conference, the Food and Clothing Pantry, Blanket and Coat Give-away, and more. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Though Pastor Turner did not attend college in 1971, as she planned. Pastor Turner received a Bachelor’s in Pastoral Ministry (Aenon Bible College 2005), Bachelors of Science in Ministry (Almeda University 2007), Masters of Theology (Almeda University 2008), Doctor of Philosophy in Historical Theology (Almeda University 2011), Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Almeda University 2011), Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Ministry (Newburgh Theological Seminary 2011). Dr. Turner served God locally, regionally, and internationally. She became an ordained elder in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World in 1999. In 2003, Dr. Turner was elevated to the office of District Elder in the West Virginia and East Tennessee Council. In the WV& ETN Council, Dr. Turner served as Assistant Council Secretary, General Council Secretary, President of the Minister’s Wives, Director of Christian Education, Secretary of Bishop’s Cabinet, and member of Executive Bishop’s board. In 2011, Dr. Turner established the New Day Fellowship of Churches. The fellowship is a collaboration of churches unifying for the promotion and expansion of God’s Kingdom. Under her leadership, Jesus is the Answer ministry was established in Princeton, WV. Among her many community honors, Dr. Turner was awarded the Rotary Club Citizen of the Year for outstanding community service. Dr. Turner was plagued with many afflictions and illnesses BUT GOD delivered her out of them all. On September 23, 2016 Dr. Turner transitioned to glory. Her desire was that no one be lost; so, "Get right church, and let's go home." She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Wallace Sr. and Lorraine Wallace; brother, Sonny Wallace. Dr. Turner is survived by her husband, Dr. Lester L. Turner, Sr. of Marion, Va.; daughters, LaNika L. Wright, (Marion) of Winterville, N.C. and LaTara L. Cross and (Jeremy) of Marion, Va.; sons, Lester “Levi” Turner, Jr., (Hope) of Bristol, Va., L. LaMont Turner and (Koren) of Belcamp, Md., Landence “Lance” L. Turner and LaGeoffrey L. Turner both of Marion, Va.; sister, Pamela Hayes (Ted) of Marion, Va.; brothers Richard Wallace Jr. (Cindy) of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Tony Lorrich of Los Angeles, Calif., Kimm Wallace, Sr. (Sabrina) of Columbus, Ohio; a host of grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Temple Family Worship Center. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 28, 2016 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Wassum Cemetery, Atkins, Va. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Turner Family.