Willie Mae Turner departed this earthly life on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Born on April 21, 1936, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, she was the third of seven children to the late Lucille Signer-Bonaparte and John Wesley Bonaparte. Willie Mae was raised in Orangeburg County, where she attended Orangeburg County public schools.
Willie Mae relocated to New Jersey, where she began her decades long career at Cohen’s Knishes. She served as a supervisor for 40 years, exemplifying dedication and leadership. As a woman of deep faith, she joined Philemon Baptist Church in Newark, NJ, where she actively worshipped and sang in the choir.
In 2007, Willie Mae returned to her beloved hometown of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She worked at PACE and The Methodist Oaks, continuing her legacy of hard work and care for others. Sundays were sacred for Willie Mae; she dedicated the day to reading, meditating, and preparing her special breakfast at 11:00 a.m.
She cherished this time of peace and would refrain from television and phone calls, preserving the sanctity of her day for reflection.
Willie Mae is preceded in death by a son Raymond Bonaparte, two sisters Hattie Barron and Helen Mitchell, and a brother John W. Bonaparte.
Willie Mae Turner leaves to cherish her loving memory: her devoted daughter, Gloria (Andrew) Watson; her devoted son, Tommy (Sonja) Turner; her two sisters, Gladys (Daniel) Johnson and Shirley Bonaparte; and her brother, Curtis (Geraldine) Bonaparte. She is also survived by her adoring grandchildren: Raymond Bonaparte Jr., Marvin Bonaparte, Anthony Bonaparte, Reynaldo Bonaparte, Faith Shamyra Bonaparte, Amber Turner, Ahmad Turner, Aubrey Freeman, and Zakiyah Watson. She leaves behind a host of cherished great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends whose lives she touched deeply.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Friday, January 24,2025 at Glover's Funeral Home from 2:00pm until 6:00pm.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, January 25,2025 at Glover's Funeral Home beginning at 12:00noon.

The burial will be held on Monday, January 27,2025 at Belleville Memorial Gardens 2900 Belleville Rd. Orangeburg, SC 29118 at 12:00noon.