Sylvia Jean Turman

Sylvia Jean Turman was born in Memphis, TN on May 12,1937 to the union of Eddie and Lessie (Harris) Williams. After her mother passed away in 1939, she lived with her maternal grandparents, James A. and Mary (Hale) Harris.

Sylvia and her grandparents moved to Milwaukee, WI in the late forties where her uncle, Reverend Z.C. Harris Sr, was already living with his wife and family. They lived in a home located above Harris Grocery located on 5^th and Vine Street, Milwaukee, WI. Raised under one roof with her six cousins, they were one family; more than cousins, they were brothers and sisters.

Educated in the Milwaukee Public School System, she attended Fourth Street School also known as Golda Meir School, Roosevelt Jr. High School, and graduated from Lincoln High School. She also took several computer training courses to hone her skills.

In Milwaukee, Sylvia met and was married to Herbert D. Turman of South Beloit, IL in 1956. To this union they had three children, Antoinette Marie, Herbert Delbert, Jr., and Beverly Carol. She was an anchor of strength and guidance for her three children, always a faithful, loving source of support for their desires for travel, military service, and achievement.

Sylvia was a stay-at-home mom for many years before starting her career. Always a diligent worker, she sought training from the Manpower employment agency where she acquired administrative and office management skills. She secured a role at the Brady Corporation as a data entry clerk. Years later, she started a position as a civilian computer operator for the Milwaukee Police Department where she worked until her retirement in 2002 at the age of sixty-five.

Sylvia accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Melvin J. Battle. She became a member of Paradise Sanctuary Missionary Baptist under the leadership of her uncle the late Rev. Z.C. Harris Sr. where she led the Youth Choir. She then joined the Providence Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Joe A. Games, Sr.

As member of the Providence Baptist Church for more than 30 years, she served in several capacities. She was the announcement clerk and part of the Tape Ministry, delivering recorded tapes and CDs to the members. Also known as the Hymn lady, she worked with Kevin Games weekly to prepare the Sunday Hymn that also came with a history lesson and direction as to how the congregation would help to minister through song. Sylvia served as part of the H.O.M.E. Mission (Home Oriented Ministry to the Elderly) where they would look out for the elderly and host lunches or events for the Seniors.

She had a great love for music, taking advanced lessons for both the piano and the organ, participating in choirs as well as attending many conferences and retreats. Sylvia enjoyed the arts, attending plays, especially the annual Nutcracker Ballet at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts, and Tai Chi classes for exercise. Sylvia also loved traveling by AMTRAK train, visiting with her children in Texas, Colorado, and Florida. Always friendly and outgoing, she would inevitably make new friends with fellow travelers along the way.

The Lord declared it was time to call his faithful servant home. Sylvia departed this life on Thursday, March 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Herbert Turman, Sr., and son, Herbert Turman, Jr. (Eleanor). She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Antoinette Miller (Richard) of Milwaukee, WI and Dr. Beverly Handy (Lieutenant Colonel-Retired Dexter) of Houston, TX. Three grandchildren, Christopher Turman of Racine, WI, Elise Miller of Milwaukee, WI, Master Sergeant Jason Miller (Amber) of Travis AFB, California and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Jasmine, both of Travis AFB, California along with a host nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home,7001 W. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee, WI on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 10am – 12pm followed by services in the funeral home chapel at 12:00pm.

Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery, 6401 N. 43^rd Street, Milwaukee, WI on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10:00am. We will meet at the cemetery office.

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