Steven Turner

Steven Leon Turner was born July 26, 1966 in Richmond, Virginia to Addie Mae Jones Turner.

Steve earned Bachelor of Science at Longwood University, Master of Education at Boston University, and Doctor of Philosophy at University of Virginia. He was known for his enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism during his tenure as Associate Professor at Kent State University, and later as the Department Chair at University Alabama at Birmingham.

Steve was a natural and passionate teacher. He mentored many students to successful careers in education. He challenged his students to reflect on the curriculum, look for solutions, and take risks. Steve always emphasized the importance to be open-minded, accountable, respectful, and caring as teachers. However, despite being an overall serious-looking teacher, his inside jokes of “showing his true colors” and “minus two” always brought smiles on his students’ faces.

Steve loved biking, drawing, listening to music of all genres, watching superhero and wuxia movies, and reading comic books. He quoted superhero movies in conversations and imitated the signature moves whenever possible. His comic book collection humbled many comic shops. Steve had the special talent to create the most beautiful and touching playlists for family and friends on special occasions. The image of Steve’s impersonation of Michael Jackson will stay in the minds of his family and friends.

Steve passed away August 16, 2023. He will be greeted and hugged by his beloved mother, Addie Mae Jones Turner, who passed away December 4, 2020.

Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life: husband Ying-Kai Weng, two brothers, Kenneth and Michael Turner; three nephews, Kenten Turner, Yan-Ting Lin, and Yan-Chen Lin, two aunts, Florence Oliver and Josephine Ghee; two uncles, Frank and Stanley Jones; parents in-law, Cheng-I Weng and Chun-Ling Wang, and a host of cousins and friends: Doreen Daugherty, Aaron Lemire (friend since college), Alexa Sandmann, Chrystal Johnson, Leander Walker, Mark Kretovics, Marty Lash, Shannon Nicastro, Sherry Ernsberger, Sonya Wisdom, Susan Bagby, Teresa Rishel, and other extended family and friends.

Until we meet again.