[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO VALERIE JEAN WOODWARD TURNER

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                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Valerie Jean Woodward Turner. Valerie had the good fortune to travel 
throughout the world during her life. She used these diverse cultural 
experiences to educate those around her and cultivate a loving 
environment for those across the economic and social spectrum. It gives 
me no greater pleasure than to honor today this kind and gentle spirit.
  Affectionately known as ``Sister T,'' Valerie graduated from Cabrillo 
High School in Lompoc, California and went on to attend California 
State University, Sonoma, earning a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. 
In 1981, while attending Loveland Church, Valerie accepted Jesus Christ 
as her Lord and Savior and made assurance of her eternal life secure. 
Her ability to see beauty in all things and desire to share her wealth 
of experiences made her a unique and beloved member of her community. 
Valerie's love of teaching and gifted ability in arts and crafts led to 
the opening of ``Valerie's Gifts and Consignments.'' This was not only 
a store but also a forum to interact with the community around her, 
opening her home and her heart to those she cared about most.
  In January 1991, Valerie joined her husband in the Temple Missionary 
Baptist Church, where he served as interim pastor and later elected 
senior pastor. Her move to Temple Missionary was accompanied by a 
leadership role in the Inland Empire.
  Valerie had a love for education and children that was finally 
satisfied when she began teaching at Loveland Academy in Fontana, 
California in 1992. During her time there she co-founded the Temple 
Learning Center (TLC) where she served faithfully as principal. Her 
commitment to bettering the lives of others was further evident in her 
missionary work in American Samoa, Western Samoa, and Jamaica, and 
especially the children's missions in Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia.
  I join today with family and friends in paying tribute to Valerie 
Turner, a dearly loved member of her family and community. She was a 
selfless role model and a generous teacher. Above all, Valerie was a 
supportive and dedicated wife, mother, and friend. She is survived by 
her husband Pastor Raymond W. Turner and their six children. She will 
be deeply missed by all.

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