Cherry Ann Turner's Obituary
Cherry Ann Turner was born August 3, 1946, in Washington D.C., the second of four girls born
to the proud parents of Alfred A. Thomas and Marie Thomas (Anderson), accepting Christ at an
early age. Cherry matriculated through Washington D.C. School District, graduating from
Dunbar High School in 1964.
Cherry, growing up in Washington D.C. during the 1960's, witnessed many historical events like
the March on Washington. Following her formative years, Cherry worked at a local restaurant in
the D.C. area where she met Albert Clyde Reed. Albert and Cherry would go on to be married
and have their son, Charles Vincent Reed. Cherry and Albert eventually divorced but remained
lifelong friends.
Looking to start a career, Cherry sought employment with Alameda County Social Services
Department. After a brief stint with Alameda County, Cherry sought to broaden her skills, joining
the Internal Revenue Service. In 1975 Cherry met Vincent L. Young and a brief romance ensued
which culminated in Cherry and Vincent joining each other in union and later having a daughter,
Regina E. Young. Unfortunately, their union was mismatched and the two would go their
separate ways.
Missing her hometown, Cherry and Regina relocated to Washington D.C. in 1982 and Cherry
started a career with the Department of Labor. She worked her way up the ladder and soon
returned back to the Internal Revenue Service where she was a dutiful civil servant.
As luck would have it, upon her return Cherry reconnected with her high school sweetheart, John
W. Turner. A whirlwind romance ensued and the two tied the knot, in 1984. John didn’t only
marry Cherry, he also became a proud father to Regina. Cherry and John would enjoy many
nights on the town with their family and friends. The marriage would ultimately be cut short as
tragedy struck, and John passed in 1990.
Cherry, motivated by the birth of her first grandchild in 1989 was itching to get back to California.
John’s untimely passing provided reason, and in 1990 she relocated to San Lorenzo, CA and
started Cherry’s Tax Service. Working 9-5 and doing it for herself, Cherry enrolled in numerous
courses, continuing with her passion of lifelong learning and in 1993 became an Enrolled Agent.
Although Cherry took care of business, she would spend her leisure time traveling, attending the
Oldie But Goodie events, hanging at Sweet Jimmie’s, taking cruises and hopping from state to
state attending family reunions. Throughout the 90’s, Cherry’s family grew; welcoming three
more grandchildren: Ja’Nae, Dialo and Daniell.
In the early 2000’s Cherry, continuing her passion for learning, enrolled at Merritt College.
Cherry would go on to graduate with high honors with an Associate’s Degree in Arts. Cherry
didn’t complete just one Associate’s Degree, she completed FOUR! Cherry’s academic success
led her to being recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa and also the University of Maryland. As
time would pass, Cherry’s family would continue to grow and in 2009 she welcomed her first
great grandchild. Cherry would go on to welcome many more great grandchildren and be
affectionately known as “Nanny”.
Cherry’s family, business and love continued to grow, however in the early 2000’s Cherry began
experiencing health challenges. Through each one she persevered and kept her faith as she
would embark on her journey of recovery. On April 12, 2024 Cherry fought her last fight, and
answered the call home. Cherry is preceded in death by her husband, John W. Turner; father,
Alfred A. Thomas; mother, Marie Thomas; three sisters: Loreita (Nelly) Thomas, Lorraine
Thomas, Wilma Thomas (Blacknell); and sistah’s Priscilla Wilson and Elvira Jordan. Cherry
leaves to cherish her memory, son, Charles V. Reed and daughter-in-law Simone Reed;
daughter, Regina E. Young; grandchildren: Jessica J. Reed, Ja’Nae A. Perkins, Dialo D.
Miranda, Daniell D. Miranda, Jason T. Reed; great grandchildren: E’sais, Ja’Rod, J’ceon,
Ja’Kari, and Ky’ara.
What’s your fondest memory of Cherry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cherry?
Share a story where Cherry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cherry you’ll never forget.
How did Cherry make you smile?