Harriett Turner-Kelser

Harriett Patricia Turner Kesler was born on August 1, 1944, in St. Clair County, Alabama. She peacefully entered eternal rest on May 19, 2025, in Tennessee, surrounded by loved ones as she reunited with her loving parents, Cornelius Milton Turner and Mary Virean Seay Turner.

A woman of strong faith, she was a devoted member of the Old Storm Branch Baptist Church in Clearwater, South Carolina, where she faithfully served both her community and her Lord. She received her elementary education in the St. Clair school system and graduated from St. Clair County Training School at the age of 16. She graduated from the Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing with a degree in nursing in 1964. She was also a proud member of the Phi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc.

She had a stellar career as the Director of Nursing at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. After relocating to Augusta, GA, she joined the Medical College of Georgia, where she held various positions, including Head Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, Staff Development Instructor, and President of the Nephrology Nurse Association until her retirement in 2002. Following her retirement, she felt a strong desire to address the health needs of her church community, which led her to attend the University of South Carolina at Charleston, where she earned a degree in Parish Nursing.

She loved traveling, and her passion for history was evident in her genealogical research, as she often traveled to uncover ancestry records and discover important facts. She had a deep passion for art and was a prolific artist.

Her most cherished accomplishment was her deep love and unwavering devotion to her family. She dedicated herself to nurturing and supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She emphasized the importance of education and lifelong learning.

She is now united in eternal life with her parents and siblings: Lois Robinson, Clevie Sparks, and Milton Turner, Jr.

She leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with love, godliness, dedication, and perseverance that will forever be cherished in the hearts of her children: Chandra (Sammy) Bynes, Christopher (Rev. Renee) Kesler, and Anthony (LaDafrica) Kesler; grandchildren: Christopher Kesler, Jr., Crystal Kesler, Kenya Bynes, Sydney Kesler, Aaron Bynes, Adaia Kesler, and Anthony Kesler, Jr.; great-granddaughter Taylor Kesler; sisters: Berdia (Walter) Felder, Donna (Thomas) Posey, Lorraine (Tommy) Allen, and Peggy Threatt; nieces: Lisa (Jerome) Oliver, Angela (Darryl) Dunham, and Michelle Maye; nephews: Jeffrey (Patricia) Robinson, Ronald Felder, Courtland (Belinda) Felder, Reuben Sparks, Tommy Allen, Jr., and many other relatives and friends.

On Friday, May 30th, a public viewing will take place throughout the day, with family visitation starting at 4 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home, located at 1765 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Augusta, GA. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 31st, beginning at 10 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. at Old Storm Branch Baptist Church, 163 Storm Branch Road, Beech Island, South Carolina, with Pastor Rev. Martris Mims officiating.