Thursday, April 13, 2023
Darryl, was born, raised an educated in the Washington metropolitan area. He was James and Ruby Turner's baby boy! On the eve of March 24, after a brief illness, Darryl peacefully answered the voice of the Lord and went to join the heavenly angels.
At an early age, Darryl committed his life to Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He loved Sunday School and was eager to learn and fascinated by biblical teachings. Whilst he was not a member of any local Christian Fellowship, you could find him tuned in to worship service online with Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor, Alfred Street Baptist Church; Bucas Sterling, III, Senior Pastor, Kettering Baptist Church; or, Skip Heitzig, Senior Pastor, Calvary Church. Darryl understood that saying yes to Jesus was the best decision he had ever made! The source of strength that enabled him to withstand life's adversities and the hardships of this brutal world was his conviction that in Jesus, there is assured joy, love, hope and serenity.
Darryl earned a living as an accomplished mason (bricklayer) and carpenter. Over the past decade, he also became a human activist and was diligent in advocating for equal justice - writing persuasive letters to local legislators and speaking on panels at organized community events. He had excellent negotiating skills. He believed in the value of thoughtful and tough, but necessary, conversations and he desired to contribute to positive effective societal change. He was curious about the world and current events. He often said, "actions speak louder than words." He encouraged us to treat every experience in life as a lesson, to celebrate even small victories, and to improve in whatever ways we could. Among other things, he will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, mentoring, and a solid interest in important issues involving just and fair solutions for people of color, particularly, black men.
Darryl loved listening to music and singing. He loved his family and was loved by his family. Quiet as kept, he was the favorite uncle to many of his nieces and nephews. He was gentle and gracious toward others. He was courageous and kind. His big heart and smile brightened up any dark day. When you talked to him about Jesus, he was happy to speak about his faith with anyone willing to listen.
Darryl is survived by his siblings, Sheila Jefferson of Georgia, Douglas (Brittany) Ward of Georgia, Victoria (Derrick) Givens of Maryland, Leon (Joanne) Ward of Indiana, James (Margaritta) Turner, Jr. of the District of Columbia, Precious (Alvin) Hardy of Georgia, Denice (Michael) Southall of Maryland, and Dennis (Michelle) Tucker of Maryland; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James Turner, Sr. and Ruby Turner; brothers William Mack, David Ward, and Charles Ward; brother-in-love, Jerome Hardy, Sr.;nieces, Samantha Reynolds and Ebony Cloyd; and, nephews, Olajuwon Hardy and James Turner, III.
