Obituary for
Clarissa Iona Turnbull
Turnbull, Clarissa Iona Stewart
Barbados: Harlem, NYC, Rochester: 5/13/1925-10/30/2016. Mother peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home early Sunday morning. She is survived by Theresa R. Jackson, HF/ROC; Kevin Fitzgerald (Lanetra) Jackson of NC; sister, Mildred Steele, NJ; nieces, nephews and cousins in NYC; NJ, VA, Conn, PA., and BWI; many friends, fellow faithful believers and sister friends that she made along her earthly journey.
Join us on Sun., 11/6/16 from 4-6PM at SBC Mumford, 957 George St., Mumford, NY for her wake. Wake/Funeral Service will be in Harlem, NY at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, WED., 11/9/16, 5-7PM. THURS. 11/10/16, 10AM. Burial Woodlawn Cemetery. Bronx. Following the Burial; gathering at Second St. John Baptist Church.
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Life Story for Clarissa Iona Turnbull
Clarissa Iona Clarke Stewart Turnbull was born May 13, 1925, the third child of Archie and Hilda Clarke. She and her siblings, Mildred, Evelyn (deceased), Leo (deceased) enjoyed their childhood in the midst of other islanders in Brooklyn, New York. They moved to Harlem and thrived under the loving supervision of their parents, grandmother, Elvira King, and other relatives from Barbados, West Indies. They attended several Episcopal churches including St. Ambrose, and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church for many years.
Clarissa was educated in the New York Public School System. She graduated from Wadleigh High School. She was employed in the garment industry in NYC for many years. Following the lead of her sisters she began working in the healthcare field at Bellevue Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Once her daughter went off to college she entered nursing school and became an LPN. She had a rewarding and challenging career in nursing. She loved her patients. Clarissa retired after much persuasion in the late 70’s. She was an active member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church. She supported several guilds and activities on a regular basis. She was a member of the Bible group, and an active member with Episcopal Church Women. She also attended Sunday school and Bible Study at Second St. John Baptist Church across from her home. Clarissa enjoyed the fellowship and spiritual growth from both congregations. She attended Second Baptist Church Mumford when in Rochester.
As a young adult, Clarissa enjoyed socializing, music, singing and dancing. She always found it difficult to sit still when she heard a familiar melody, and music with the Caribbean beat! She and her friends enjoyed the music and entertainers of their time. She married Fitzgerald Stewart at a young age, and they had one daughter, Theresa Ramona Stewart. They resided at the family homestead in Harlem, NY. Her first husband died when he was twenty-eight. Clarissa’s extended family assisted her with raising her daughter. At a later time Clarissa married Alfred Turnbull (deceased), and continued working and living in Harlem, NYC. She was always an independent woman, devoted friend, and perpetual caregiver. She assisted in the parenting of her brother’s (Leo Clarke’s) children throughout her life.
Clarissa enjoyed worshiping God, visiting family and friends, helping others, and traveling (the family insisted that she always had a traveling buddy). She had great times on day trips, fishing, camping, senior center activities, cruises and other vacation ventures. You would often find her visiting her daughter in Western NY, her sister in New Jersey, and her grandson in North Carolina. In January of 2016 Clarissa came to Rochester, NY and resided at Brookdale Fairport Assisted Living where enjoyed the fellowship, activities, food and loving care of the staff. She remained there until she became ill on Easter Sunday. Medical care and rehabilitation were provided at Highland Hospital and the Brightonian until her passing.
We thank God for her life, laughter and legacy. She was blessed with 91 + years. She experienced happiness, peace and good health for the major portion of her life. She was a child of God anointed with His Grace and Mercy. We will always maintain her love and light in our hearts. We know that because God’s word is true she is at peace in her heavenly home. We hope to one day see her again. REST IN PEACE
Sunrise: May 13. 1925 –Sunset: October 30, 2016