Derek Turner

Derek Turner. of Oxford. entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 10, 2022. He passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Derek was born on February 22, 1961, at Crawford Long Hospital, in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Rockdale County High School in 1981. While there, he earned awards for perfect attendance, science fair exhibits, and Special Olympics. Upon graduation he received job training and a work assignment for Marriott Hotel which led to a letter of recommendation. In 1981, he was hired by Sweetheart Plastics as a utility worker. He worked there for 29 years until he retired in 2010 due to health reasons.

Derek was a member of Zion Baptist Church, where his greatest joy was serving faithfully every Sunday as an usher. He never met a stranger and was a true ambassador for Zion. He was also an avid sports fan. He loved the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and was a season ticket holder for 40 years. His hobbies included putting together puzzles and reporting on his favorite sports teams. Derek was greatly loved by all who knew him and will be missed tremendously.

Derek was preceded in death by his father, Donald Turner; his sister, Kim Freeman; grandparents, Ada and Ralph Cofer, and Ludie and Horace Turner. He is survived by his mother, Shelva McGiboney; and his stepfather, Bill McGiboney; sisters, Jennifer Winter (Rob), and Tiffany Strickland (Sean Germany); nieces, Ashley and Madison Winter, Andrea Pierce (Clay); nephews, Hayden Winter, Turner Strickland, Donny and Jason Freeman; and many other loving family members.

The family will host a visitation at Zion Baptist Church, 7037 Highway 212, in Covington, on Thursday, September 15th from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Immediately following at 1:00 P.M., a Celebration of Life service will be held at Zion Baptist Church with Pastor Frank Daws and Pastor Bryan Alexander officiating.

This obituary was prepared with love and affection by Derek’s family.