Robbie L Van Turner (Glover)

Mrs. Robbie Lee Gilliard Van Turner, 104, departed this life on June 18, 2021 at the home of her niece, Minnie Gilliard Johnson. She was born in McCormick, SC on September 1, 1916, a daughter of the late Robert and Drucilla A’Dolphus Gilliard.

At an early age, she lost both of her parents and was reared in Detroit, Michigan by her late uncle and aunt, John and Esther Glover. They adopted her and gave her a good home.

Mrs. Van Turner attended Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and the Genesis School of Music. She taught private music lessons and was a tour exhibit guide for the Detroit Institute of Arts. A sales clerk at Saks Fifth Avenue department store for a number of years, Mrs. Van Turner retired as a receptionist in the office of Dr. Flake. She was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church where she served in many organizations.

In addition to her parents and the love of her life, her husband, Edward Van Turner, Mrs. Van Turner was preceded in death by two sisters, Agnes Gloria Brooks and Julia Frances Tatum.

She leaves to cherish her memories her devoted nieces, nephews and a step-daughter, Rosalee Conway of Las Vegas, Nevada (whom she considered a loving daughter) along with Rosalee’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Van Turner family.

When I Must Leave You

By: Helen Steiner Rice

When I must leave you
For a little while --
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,

But start out bravely
With a gallant smile;
And for my sake
And for my name
Live on and do
All things the same,

Feed not your loneliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways,

Reach out your hand
In comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
And hold you near;

And never, never
Be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!