Duncan, SC

Mrs. Margarett G. Turner, retired teacher, civil rights activist, sister, mother and grandmother transitioned home on June 19, 2021, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

A native of Greer, South Carolina, Margarett was born on March 16, 1941 to the late Wesley and Grace B. Gregory.  She was the widow of Claude B. Turner, Sr. who passed away on Oct 16, 2008.

Mrs. Turner attended Lincoln High School.  She matriculated through Friendship College, Morris College, Paine College before graduating from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.  While attending school, her love and need for activism was born.  Watch out if you were ever in her way.  In an effort to secure rights, she lobbied for equality for all by participating in a variety of diverse political action approaches, such as sit-ins and rallies.  She threw her hat in the ring running for local City of Greer Council seat.  When the numbers were against her, the defeat fueled her passion to fight for more.

Margarett G. helped to organize the Greer Alliance.  She served as a member of the Nehemiah Group.  To this day, her name glows on a plaque entering the doors of Greer Municipal Courthouse as a member of the prestigious Trust Board.  Margarett G. retired from Greenville Co. School System.  She taught at Morton Elementary, Dunbar Elementary and Greer Middle Schools.

She was a member of Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

Left to cherish fond and loving memories include her son, Claude B. (Leroysha) Turner, Jr.,; daughter, Shakeria G. McCullough and Sherry Byrd; brothers, James "Doug" (Martha) Gregory, Everette (Thomascene) Gregory and Robert (Valerie) Gregory; brother-in-laws, Charles (Miriam) Turner, Walter (Ruby) Turner; sister-in-laws, Barbara Whitney, Shirley Turner, Mamie Dawkins and Mattie Gregory; grandchildren, Brandon (Natalia, Katherine) Turner, Drayton (Isaiah, Dominque) Turner, Dontrail (Zacchaeus, Kalein, Mackenzie, Logan, Justice) Byrd, Travis (Kiyan, Aleigha) Bowens, Jordan (Noah) Hughes, Bobby Mattress, Andres McCullough, Jameeko Johnson, Corneisha Jones and Kiamber Jones; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her siblings Lillie Wilkes, Johnny Gregory and Alvin Gregory.

Margarett Turner's life strides will continue to grow, shedding light for all that seek equality and justice in society today.  Her generosity was limitless and her guidance will forever be etched in our minds and hearts.  If you knew her well, you knew what she stood for.  If you did not know her well, you learned her position quickly!

Funeral service will be Saturday, June 26, 2021 2:00 PM Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church.  Please keep the Gregory-Turner family in your prayers.

The family is being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc.