VANDALINE BEATRICE TURNER

Reflections of Her Life

Vandaline Beatrice Bradford Turner, daughter of Carl Alton Bradford and Imogene Rorex Bradford, was born June 2, 1942, in Knoxville, Tennessee.  She was the eldest of her four siblings.  Early in life the family moved to Louisville, Tennessee, where young Vandaline professed her belief in Christ at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church. 

Vandaline received her primary and secondary education in the local area schools. She graduated from Charles M. Hall High School in Alcoa, Tennessee. Both bright and outgoing in nature, Vandaline was afforded the uncommon opportunity to continue her education at Knoxville College, Knoxville, Tennessee.  While at Knoxville, she met a fellow student, a charming young man, Joe Allen Turner. Vandaline continued her studies at a business college in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned her degree. Vandaline embarked upon a career in business administration as an assistant to her uncle, Dr. Arvine Bradford, M.D., in Washington, D. C. 

On January 3, 1964, she was united in Holy Matrimony to Joe   Allen Turner of Nicholasville, Kentucky. Their life of love and marital contentment spanned over sixty-one years, and two daughters were born to their loving union. They made their home in Nicholasville, where Vandaline became a member of First Baptist Church. 

Following an employment opportunity at the General Motors Corporation, Joe Allen, with Vandaline and infant daughter, Vanessa, moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. Their family blossomed to include another daughter, Melissa.  They made Trinity C.M.E. Church their church home and place of worship in Indianapolis.

In 1984, after years as a doting wife and mother and homemaker, Vandaline returned to the workforce at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, IUPUI. She began working in enrollment     services, where she helped people of all ages to gain admittance to the university.  Vandaline retired in 2009 as an Enrollment Credentials Analyst.  She enjoyed her career in assisting others to gain education.

She enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. Vandaline also enjoyed working out at the Healthplex, where she attended Zumba   classes regularly until illness prevented her participation. She faithfully supported her husband in his involvement and representation in Pike Township Democratic  politics.

On June17, 2025, Vandaline Beatrice Bradford Turner departed this earthly life at the age of eighty-three years and fifteen days.  She was surrounded by loved ones in her home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Caroline Bradford Hudson, and a brother, Ulysses Alton Bradford.   She leaves her devoted husband, Joe Allen Turner; daughters,  Vanessa Turner and Melissa Turner ; granddaughters, Monét Turner and Moriah Pickens, and sister, Blenza Bradford Davis.

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