Nelson Zack Turner

Hailing from Washington, DC Nelson was born to Mildred Turner on September 26, 1954. Nelson graduated from Spingarn High School in Washington, DC, and began his career serving our nation as an Airman in the United States Air Force National Guard, serving as an Electric Power Product Specialist. Later in life, he became a Federal government employee with the Smithsonian Institution: National Museum of the American Indian. He served for 22 years as a public servant in the Facilities Service Supervisor role. He retired in August 2025. Nelson was full of life; he loved traveling and entertainment. Nelson had you covered if you needed a recommendation on the best restaurant or a good TV series. He was an enthusiastic Washington Commanders fan. He watched Thursday and Sunday night football routinely. Nelson's interest in football was sparked during his high school years, when he played on the varsity team. Nelson loved the art of the game. Nelson was known to his family and friends as “The Planner." He always wanted to share his joy and travel experiences with others. Throughout the years, he organized several family trips with the goal of fostering unity and enjoyment. “ The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”- Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV Nelson accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He began the journey of living a transformed life according to Romans 12:1-2, serving the local church through outreach and men's ministry. He was appointed as a Deacon of Victory in Christ ministry under the leadership of Ivory Teague. He participated in outreach with Jesus Is Our Help Ministry (Pastor Lillie M. Turner), which included “Healing for the City," Gift for Christ, and a host of other outreach events. Nelson was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Turner, and his brother. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Lillie M. Turner; his daughter, Jessika Turner; and stepchildren: Russell Jacobs, Raymond Jacobs, Reginald Jacobs, Lakeisha S. Jacobs & Omar Ballanger—his grandchildren Genesis & Micah Jacobs and a host of other family and friends.

Tributes

Nelson Zack Turner

September 26, 1954 - February 21, 2026