Terri Small-Turner

Terri Rene Small-Turner, 63, of Marlborough, MA, passed away peacefully at home on November 26, 2024 following a brief illness. Up until her last breathe, Terri maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, and love of her family and friends. She was grateful for all of the experiences in her life and reflected often on the twists and turns of her journey.

Terri was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 17, 1961 to the late Elouise White (Blount) and Clarence Rolack Small. She was extremely close to her grandmother, Margaret Blount (Atkinson), and lived with her in Portsmouth, VA until she was 6, before joining Elouise in Boston, MA. Terri often reflected on how much those early years spent with her family in Virginia shaped her into the woman we all knew and loved. It was during this time (and the many summers that followed) that she learned the value of compassion and taking care of others, in turn becoming one of the most loving caregivers anyone could ask for.

Terri graduated from Boston Latin School in 1979 as a proud single mother to her son, Levar. One of her proudest accomplishments, she was determined to continue living her life and strived to give her son the best life she could despite her age. She went on to study at Simmons College before taking on various administrative roles. Despite her success, she still felt that she had a higher calling but wasn’t sure what was next for her.

When she met the man who would be her husband for 25 years, Charles (Chuck) Turner, she realized her purpose. She absorbed everything she could learn about him and his work, and decided that she would devote her life to uplifting her people. She held positions in various non-profits throughout the early 90’s, most notably Co-Director of Women for Economic Justice (WEJ). In 1996, she earned a Masters’ Degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University (New Hampshire College). She loved everything about her experience there and cherished the friendships cultivated during those snowy weekends in New Hampshire.

Terri became a full-time homemaker in 1996, but in name only. She personified the idea that a man is only as strong as the woman beside him and took on the role with pride. And stand beside Chuck she did. She was his (sometimes) quiet advisor and took on huge roles with his City Council campaigns, including serving as Treasurer. She admired his work more than she could put into words and felt in her heart that her purpose in this life was to support him in his endeavors.

Terri was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 25 years, Charles (Chuck) Turner; her mother, Elouise White (Blount); her father, Clarence Rolack Small; her maternal grandmother, Margaret Blount (Atkinson); her maternal grandfather, Russell Blount; her paternal grandmother, Idonia Reid; her paternal grandfather, Page Carter Small; and her stepfather, Henry Prophett. She is survived by her daughter, Alana Maddox (Small) of North Providence, RI; her grandson, Jacob Charles Estremera of North Providence, RI; her son, Levar Small of Fitchburg, MA; her

stepdaughter, Stephanie Bonner-Lyons of Boston, MA; her brother, Charles White IV of Haverhill, MA; dear friends, Darrin Howell of Boston, MA and Nadena Watson of Boston, MA; and a host of many friends, colleagues, and extended relatives.

The world is so much dimmer without her light. Altruism was her guiding principle and everyone who came into her orbit could feel that. May she rest in eternal peace.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.