Cora Lee Turner

Cora Lee Haskins was born in Knifley, Kentucky on September 1, 1920, to Reverend Muga Haskins and Mary (Hendrickson) Haskins. Muga was a prominent pastor in their area and Mary, a schoolteacher. Cora was adored by everyone in her close-knit family, especially her proud father and her older half-sister, Luella. As an adult, Cora spoke fondly of her childhood adventures, which often involved her cousins Alpha, Asure and “Spoon”. In fact, on separate occasions, she and Alpha both gave an identical account of how they used to clear away areas of brush, then gather the remaining tall branches at the top to form “houses”, in which they’d play. Autumn also brought its share of delights, as Cora and other school children enjoyed a tradition of gathering nuts, wild berries, and colorful leaves. After graduating from Bellaire High School in 1939, Cora enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She left shortly after to pursue what would become a lifelong career as a federal government employee. A very independent young woman, Cora carefully weighed the many options available to women during wartime. She even considered repairing war planes – a job for which someone of her very petite stature was well suited, since it involved working inside the nose of the plane! However, she (thankfully) dismissed that idea. In the meantime, Cora and her friends attended dances, featuring live performances by Count Basie with his orchestra and Duke Ellington. She would later share how she scraped together the price of admission to these soirees ($1.50)! A beautiful woman inside and out, always impeccably dressed, Cora caught the attention of Willard R. Turner – Willard was an outstanding young army soldier and an acquaintance from Bellaire, Ohio. The two were married in December of 1945, eventually residing in Ecorse, Michigan. The couple had three girls: Rocquelle, Yolande and Nyreevah. Cora and Willard were a great team. With Cora’s expertise in sewing and embroidery work, and Willard’s brilliant carpentry, they had a lovely home, well-dressed daughters with equally well-dressed dolls and an abundance of wonderfully crafted doll accessories. Cora’s warmth and kindness always made her a favorite not only with her own children, but with other children as well – including her young nieces and nephews from Akron, Ohio – Joyce, Karen, Marilyn and Gerald (“Butch”). These siblings still fondly recall getting to sleep over at Aunt Cora’s and Uncle Willard’s house! Cora’s beloved grandchildren – Kael, Alex, Deannè and Linden also recall the many joyous memories they shared with their Grandma. They particularly appreciated her quick wit and sense of humor. While caring for her young family, Cora found time to write articles for the two local newspapers: The Michigan Chronicle and The Ecorse Advertiser. She served as a Brownie Scout troop leader, was an active member of the PTA, and a Theta Chapter soror of the Eta Phi Beta Sorority. Cora was a devoted member of her churches – Grace Episcopal Church in Detroit, and the Church of the Resurrection in Ecorse. She later joined Church of the Redeemer in Southfield. In 1962, Cora resumed her work with the federal government – first at the Army Tank Automotive Command (ATAC) in Warren, Michigan, and later as a purchasing agent at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Allen Park, Michigan. She retired in 1982. Sadly, Cora and Willard Divorced in 1988. Cora carried on rigorously, despite any setbacks. Her flair for interior design was put to good use well into her seventies, as she designed décor for the homes of her friends and family. So, Cora Lee departed from this life on the morning of September 23, 2023. She passed away with the same quiet grace she exhibited throughout her lifetime. To say that she’ll be sorely missed is putting it mildly. Cora was quite a lady, who appeared to be much younger than her 103 years. In addition to previously mentioned loved ones, Cora is survived by her two precious granddaughters-in-law, Ami and Chareese, and grandson-in-law, William. She was further blessed with nine great grandchildren: Estebon, Amenra, Nya, Kelsi, Emory, Baeden, Eliot, Greyson and Yasu; and one great-great grandson, Kash. Others left to celebrate Cora’s memory include cousins Charles (Thelma), Sylvia, Danny (Joanne) and Joan, along with their children and grandchildren. Thank You, Cora (AKA Mama/Grandma/G.G./Aunt/Cousin), for all those wonderful memories, and for being such a treasure. We Love You! To My GramGram One of a kind, never have I met anyone with such class; an example of how to be a woman in a changing world. Your kindness knew no bounds, a true definition of a southern Belle; intelligent, wise, classy and dignified with principles based on strong morals. You specialized in what is rapidly becoming rare… common sense. Your core values coupled with worldly intelligence, humility, a strong spiritual balance and genuine grace helped you navigate through generational changes, but remain classy. These values last the tests of time and should be held in the highest regard, as we were privileged to have our beloved Mother / Grandma / GiGi with us for 103 years. Your love, our bond and moments shared will remain in my heart. Your wisdom and beautiful human nature are what I strive to exude to the world on a daily basis. You will be missed greatly GramGram, but still near and dear to my heart and soul. Love, your grandson, Linden

Cora Lee Turner

September 1, 1920 - September 23, 2023