Janice Othera (Rowell) Turner

Janice Othera Rowell Turner was born April 21, 1953 in Lauderdale County, Alabama to the late Amos and Annie Rowell.

She departed this life on June 5, 2025 at Helen Keller Hospital surrounded by her family.

She became a member of Bethel at an early age. She made confession on Sunday, August 3, 1964, under Reverend W.A. Ashford at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Bethel Lauderdale Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Zion AME Church. At an early age, she was a member of the Junior Choir and during her adult life she taught Vacation Bible School during the summer at Bethel. She remained a faithful member until death.

She began her education at Mt. Zion Elementary School, attended West End High School, and graduated from Waterloo High in Waterloo, Alabama. After graduating from high school, she attended Alabama A&M University, Normal, Alabama. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she began her teaching career at Oakland Elementary School, Oakland, Alabama. Later, she became a staff member at Waterloo Elementary School in Waterloo, Alabama, teaching elementary education. She returned to Alabama A&M and obtained her master’s degree in education. She remained at Waterloo until her retirement after 25 years. Following her retirement, she spent time with family, friends and serving the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Annie Mae Rowell; brother, William H. Rowell; and husband, Matthew Turner.

She is survived by one brother, Amos Rowell, Jr. (Rose); three sisters, Annie Rowell Beckwith (Charles), Mary Rowell Weddington (Louie-deceased), and Rubye Rowell Fuqua (Leon); one sister in-law, Mattie Garner (Levon); one brother in law, Edgar Turner; stepchildren, Kathy Roberson, Zalencia Turner, Kielly Hill, and Matthew Turner; four nephews, Carlton, Nikia, Darryl, and Trey; four nieces, Daria, Darnea, Chandra, and Chareta; and several great-nieces and nephews and several great- great-nieces and nephews.

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