Dr. Andrew Turner
May 16, 1946 – September 20, 2025
Andrew was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 16, 1946, to John Lemia and Florence Brown Turner. He was their middle child and only son. The family eventually moved to Lutcher, LA, his father’s hometown, where Andrew attended and graduated from Cypress Grove School, the only public school for African-American children on the east bank of St. James Parish.
Andrew and his sisters were raised in the church and developed a deep love for the Lord. When they weren’t learning Bible verses, they spent joyful hours playing with their cousins. Summers were often spent in DeQuincy, LA, with their great-grandmother, while their mother pursued her college degree. Family was always a central part of Andrew’s life and held great importance to him.
After graduating high school, Andrew was one of very few Black students selected to integrate LSU. He then transferred to Dillard University, following his older sister, where he continued the family tradition of attending an HBCU, a path first taken by their mother. While at Dillard, Andrew was an active member of the NAACP and the Chess Club. In 1968, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Theta Sigma Chapter, further deepening his campus involvement and leadership.
While attending Dillard University, Andrew experienced a life-changing moment—he met the love of his life, Iris Archie, a nursing student from Slidell, LA. Their connection blossomed during their college years, and after both graduated with bachelor’s degrees in science, they were united in marriage on August 28, 1971. The couple then moved to Washington, DC, where Andrew earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Howard University. After completing his doctorate, he was hired by Eastman Kodak, where he spent the majority of his professional career in various leadership and management roles. He later returned to school and earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
During this time, the Turner family began to grow. Andrew and Iris welcomed their first son, Andre Tyrone, followed by JaMone Rene and Brandon Christopher, affectionately referred to as “The Boys.” It was Andrew’s desire to ensure his boys had the best of everything: opportunities, education, and exposure. He became very active in the Boy Scouts and assisted over 30 young men in becoming Eagle Scouts, including his own son, Brandon.
While working for Kodak and living in the Rochester area, Andrew was a member of Toastmasters, loved photography (as evidenced by the number of photo albums in the Turner home), and enjoyed playing golf. At Memorial AME Zion Church, Andrew recognized the need for greater fellowship among the men. He responded by founding the Men’s Ministry, where he remained a dedicated leader for many years. Following his retirement from Eastman Kodak, Andrew worked for the City of Rochester as Chief of Accountability and as a consultant until a fall in 2010 precluded him from continuing.
In his later years, although Andrew was no longer able to participate in many of the activities he once enjoyed, he remained mentally and socially engaged. He kept up with current events, often adding his own insightful commentary to the news, spent meaningful time in conversation with loved ones and friends, and generously shared his life experiences with those around him.
Andrew’s earthly journey came to a peaceful end on Saturday, September 20, 2025, as he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death and is now reunited with his parents and his two sisters, Augustine Turner Fields and Joan Turner. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Iris Archie Turner; three sons: Andre Turner (Ayanay), JaMone Turner, and Brandon Turner; five grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Easter (George), Gianna Iris Turner, Alyceah Faith Turner, Amari Grace Turner, and Quinton Ochora Turner; one great-grandchild, Elliott Philip Easter; two brothers-in-law, Donald Archie (Suzette) and Alvin Fields as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved family members who will carry on his legacy and memory.
Andrew gave of himself in all areas of his life: his family, his community, his career, and his church. He enjoyed life to the fullest and has left a legacy of love for all of us to follow.
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My condolences to the family and all who knew Dr Turner. I am a friend and former coworker of Andre’s from my time in the Atlanta area and Andre always talked so highly of his dad. I send love , strength and prayers to you all from Florida during this most difficult times
My deepest condolences. A great man with a great legacy in life.
Truly another gentle giant of a man. I’ve always cherished the times we spent on the court or on the table tennis table as extensions of “the boys” while we were all in Pittsford. Truly a testament of friendship and manhood!- RQQ from MuPsi 67 and PSI ‘96 and Family- The Andersons ΩΨΦ
What an impressive life your father Dr. Turner has lived. We grow & have our being through the Ancestors who have given us light through their eyes. DJ – De Rhandell & I send the entire family our sincere condolences, love & prayers. Peace be with you at this time of sorrow. He is at peace now & has returned home. Do not be sad but rather celebrate the love, joy and memories he gave of himself. Ameyn 🙏🏾
I am sorry for your lost and you are in my prays.
Love Diane
Rest in peace Drew, I will always remember fondly our time together coaching Greece youth BB with your son Andre and my twin sons John and Mike. You will be missed by all the lives you touched. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Sad to hear about Drew’s passing. We know he fought a good fight . Love you guys..
When I heard of Andrew’s passing my mind went back to when I was growing up across the street from him. I remember a tall, linky boy jumping the back fence in our yard to visit his best friend in the next yard. He was always happy and upbeat. He had a thirst for people and life at a young age. Andrew had lots of friends and it was evident because all the neighborhood boys flocked to the Turner house.
Andrew left an imprint on all the lives he touched and he will certainly be missed.
Iris and family, you have my deepest sympathy and you are in my prayers.
Drew was an incredible human being. I feel blessed to have known him. I know how much he loved his family.
Iris while we have never met in person I know your name and your special place in his life. Besides being what WEB Dubois
referred to as the Talented Tenth he was the best of who we are as humans. Rest in Peace my friend, my brother my colleague
My Deepest condolences, and prayers are extended to the Family of Dr. Turner. We sang together, in a church choir, many years. ago. During that time we enjoyed great fellowships with other church choirs along with Sister Iris, his Spouse, May the work He has done live on through those whom He cherished.
Sending condolences and prayers to the entire family. So sorry for your loss.
I’d like to extend my sincerest condolences to your family. We spoke briefly at after your Sister Joan’s…my Nanny’s celebration of life services. I never really knew you personally. However I knew of you because of how proud my grandparents were of your successes. Thanks for being such a role model to me and so many in our little Lutcher community. From Labor to Reward
Sincerely Kimmy & Family
I’d like to extend my sincerest condolences to your family. We spoke briefly at after your Sister Joan’s…my Nanny’s celebration of life services. I never really knew you personally. However I knew of you because of how proud my grandparents were of your successes. Thanks for being such a role model to me and so many in our little Lutcher community. From Labor to Reward
Sincerely Kimmy & Family
Dear family/friends,
We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Andrew Turner. We have fond memories of meeting him when our son Saurabh joined the boy scouts and was fortunate enough to be mentored by him, ultimately earning his Eagle Scout award. May his legacy continue to inspire and guide us. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the impact he had on those around him.
May his memory be a blessing to us all and his soul rest in peace 🙏.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My condolences to the entire Turner family. JaMone is a colleague of mine. Sending strength and prayers to the entire family.
May the wonderful memories and lessons he taught you lift you up during this difficult time.
Rest in Peace my Brother. I benefited greatly by having you cross my path.
My condolences to you and the family. Sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for strength and healing.
Endrell Lang-Dawson
My deepest condolences to the family. You are in my prayers.
While reading the news of my friend passing, could write a book that described our relationship. Growing up in the streets of Lutcher will always be a perfect story to tell. Memories will always be a part of my life. Rest in peace my friend.