Congregational Hymn
Love Lifted Me
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,
REFRAIN
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, Love lifted me!
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
REFRAIN
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
REFRAIN
Obituary
Dorothy Elaine Sykes White Turner was born on December 15, 1939,
in Washington, D.C., to the late Olis and Elma V. Sykes. She was
lovingly referred to by many names (“Elaine,” “Too Lane,” “Dottie,”
“Dot,” “Ma,” “Mommy,” “Grandma,” and “Nana”) and would graciously
answer to any of them. Dorothy, a native Washingtonian, was
educated in DC Public Schools; and graduated from Cardozo High
School. In the late 1950’s, she began a career with the federal
government as an accountant at the U.S. Census Bureau in Suitland,
Maryland. A decade later, she transferred to the Department of
Public Debt; and while employed there, furthered her education at
Bowie State University and Morgan State University
respectively.
Dorothy married Otis L. White Sr.; and to that union four
children were born, Otis Jr., Maria, Ronald, and Penny. In March
1965, her husband passed away, and several years later on November
28, 1967, Dorothy married Alfred R. Turner, Jr. He was her soul
mate and the love of her life. The pair happily made a life
together with their blended family of ten which included Dorothy’s
children, Alfred’s children from a previous marriage, and the
couple’s son. Dorothy adored her family. Dorothy was a loving,
caring woman of God who was kind and considerate to everyone she
met. In fact, if you were to spend any time with her, you would
quickly find out that Jesus was her Lord and Savior. She loved the
Lord. Dorothy, a woman of faith, was baptized at Mount Airy Baptist
Church where she attended Sunday School. She also was a member of
the Junior Choir, and the Junior Usher Board at the church. In
1966, Dorothy became the clerk/secretary at Central Baptist Church
under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Henry S. Moore. Dorothy
continued to work and worship at Central Baptist until 1991. She
later joined From the Heart Church Ministries in 1991 where she
remained, and faithfully served in the Seniors Ministry until her
passing. She will be remembered by her From the Heart family for
her infectious smile! Dorothy will be missed by all who knew and
loved her. Dorothy leaves to cherish her fond memory her children:
Otis Jr., Alfred “Randy” (O’Mara) Turner III, Maria Young, Darryl
Turner, Ronald White, Karen (Derek) Turner, Penny (John)
White-Jacks, and Hassan (Taquila) Turner Sr.; daughter-in-law,
Pamela White; sisters, Bernice (Herbert) Pitts, and Loretta Lee;
brother, Paul Edward Sykes; cousin/sister, Anna Pinellas;
sisters-in-law, Brenda (Moe) Brown, Mary “Rita” Winters; more than
fifteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of other
family and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents,
Olis and Elma Sykes; sister, Erthea V. Gaines; first husband, Otis
L. White Sr.; second husband, Alfred R. Turner Jr.; son, Andre
Leevon White; and son-in-law, Roland Young.
Family Sentiments
A Tribute to the Family -- In Remembrance of my Beloved
Sister-in-Law, Dorothy
The love between a sweet mother toward her children, Otis,
Ronald, Penny, Maria, other relatives and
friends is strong and everlasting. I thank God for the life
lived by Dorothy. She touched many lives she
met positively; her light radiated every neighborhood and
community. We lost a precious jewel. She will
be missed by many. We pray for the family that they will find
comfort in the arms of our dear Lord. Be
comforted by knowing that God is faithful and is always looking
over us. He truly cares and He is our
protector and comforter in times of need. Whatever the
circumstances may be, we can be comforted by the
Words of the Lord to find peace that passes all our
understanding. He said in Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are
those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” God is the same
yesterday, today, and forever and He
promised to never leave us. Hold onto the promises of God as you
seek His peace, strength and comfort.
His Word is true. May the soul of Dorothy rest in perfect
peace!
In Loving Memory, Rev. Dr. Rudolph & Sue White
As long as I Can Remember
As long as I can remember, I always loved making the trip to my
Aunt Dorothy's house. She lived way
down in Clinton, MD, an hour away from Northwest DC. But who
cared about a long car trip when I
knew I would experience so much love, joy, and fun with family
that I never could see too much?
Over the years, she was so generous with her time, resources,
and presence. Aunt Dorothy never missed a
special occasion or an ordinary day to encourage me and let me
know that she loved me, but Jesus loved
me first.
Brian Pitts
