Clifton Turner Sr.

Clifton Alphonso Turner passed into eternal life on August 24, 2019. Cliff was born on April 5, 1944 to Sammuel and Cassandra Turner in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica, West Indies. He was one of thirteen children. Cliff grew up separated in distance from some of his siblings, and that experience affected him deeply. It also helped formed his determination to stay connected with his family and form strong friendships with others around him. As a young man, Cliff married and began a family. To help support his growing family Cliff worked on the US military base in Guantanomo Bay, Cuba. He often spoke fondly of his years there, supporting the facilities operation. After immigrating to the United States, and later joined by his young family, Cliff's trade in construction took him all over the world. His handiwork is literally embedded in the foundation of many famous buildings and museums in the place he called his second home, New York City. However, his true passion in life, was being a uniter and chief cheerleader for his family - including siblings, children and over a hundred nieces and nephews scattered across the world. His earlier experience growing up framed his determination to connect all the branches of his family. It was often said that wherever there was a Turner descendant in the world, Cliff would somehow find them and "link up." As the historian and chief communicator for his large family, Cliff's impact was immeasurable. Cliff's thirst for knowledge, spirituality, and African history was also profound. He was particularly proud and deeply knowledgeable of his Jamaican heritage and spoke widely about the rich contributions of his ancestors. And what Cliff did not say - he sang. Coming from a family of musicians and singers- music was in his DNA. He loved to sing and dance to island music, and instilled the love of music and history in his children and grandchildren. Cliff was called home on August 24, 2019, having lived every one of his 75 years to the fullest. He is survived by his wife, Joann; his son Jaleel, and by his children from his union with Cecelia McLarty, Candia, Prince Clifton, Almondo John, Kerry Ann, and Timothy, in addition to his siblings Lloyd, Hazel, Gertrude, Eileane, Titnell and Leroy; and countless nieces, nephews and grandchildren, who will miss him dearly. Family and friends gathered for a celebration of his life on September 5, 2019 at Caribe Funeral Home, Brooklyn, NY. He was interred at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY.