Patricia Louise Donaldson Turner, age 84, of West Haven, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Richard E. Turner, Sr.
Born on September 1, 1941, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, Patricia was the daughter of the late James Henry Donaldson and Bernice Price Donaldson. Throughout her professional life, she served in various roles, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew her, particularly through her work as an educator and servant of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Patricia devoted her life to faith, service, and education. A lifelong educator, she spent decades nurturing and guiding young minds, beginning at St. Thomas Day School and later continuing her career within the West Haven Public Schools. She was deeply committed to the success of children both inside and outside the classroom and was an active and dedicated member of the West Haven PTA, where she worked tirelessly to support students, families, and teachers. Her passion for education was not merely a profession, but a calling that left a lasting impact on generations of students and the broader community.
A longtime and faithful member of Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven, Patricia served diligently as a deacon and remained steadfast in her commitment to her church family. She was also one of the founders of the church’s Debutante Pageant, helping to establish a meaningful tradition that uplifted young women, and men through faith, scholarship, and community service. In addition, she was a proud member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and further demonstrated her devotion to public service through her role on the West Haven Board of Education.
In addition to her husband, Patricia leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children: Traci Turner Fairfax and her husband, Carl Fairfax, Jr.; Richard E. Turner, Jr.; Earnest Troy Turner; and Matt D. Turner and his wife, Quiara Turner. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen D. Doram; twenty grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers, William H. Donaldson and John H. Donaldson, and her sisters, Barbara D. Simmons and Sarah Thomas Greaux.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Avenue, New Haven. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel Street, New Haven.
Patricia Louise Donaldson Turner will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her lifelong commitment to education, and her tireless service to family and community. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped, the values she instilled, and the love she so generously shared.
NOTE: All Comments are Moderated. Please allow up to 24-36 hours for your comment to be posted. Thank you.
Please Accept Our Sincerest Condolences At This Difficult Time. Sending Peace, Love and Comfort To Your Family. Curtis, Alberta, Ricky and Roberta
My sincere heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to your family. Mrs. Pat was a beautiful angel, who truly blessed my children and I exceedingly and abundantly over all we could think or ask. We love the Turner Family ~ Tironda, Nandi, Vanessa, Julante , Joshua and Nala.
Matt, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. As you are aware, men have a special place in our hearts for our mothers and the unconditional love that we share with them. Find the most joyful memory that you have of your mother and engrave that memory at the pinnacle of your thoughts whenever you reflect on the good times spent with her. I pray that God will surround you and your family with his Earthly Angels to guide and comfort you during this time of mourning and reflection. May His blessing be with you and your family today and always.
James
My beloved friend I babysitting her children gaining knowledge of love and support she touches on the fact of life and labor my true friend my mother adore RIP MRS TUNER 💔 😢 😇🙌🌻Gone not forgotten 🌻
We send our love and deepest condolences to the Turner family. Pat was deeply loved and will always be part of our hearts. We will truly miss her. Pat’s presence will remain with us always.
Barbara and Calvin
Traci, Rich, Troy, and Matt — We are so very sorry for your loss. I can truly relate to the pain you’re going through, and my heart goes out to you. Mrs. Turner was clearly a special woman, and the love she shared will always live on through each of you. I hope you find some comfort in the memories you hold close and in knowing how deeply she was loved. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
May happy memories one day replace the sadness in your hearts. Pat is gone but will never be forgotten. I will always remember our IBC choir days back in the late 50’s. Extending my condolences.
Traci, I am deeply sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. During times like these, time and distance disappear, but the love always remain. Your mother was wonderful and kind and loved you fiercely. I will always remember her beautiful smile and joyful spirit. May God provide you with peace and comfort. All faithful know that she is with Him and they are with you. May God continue to bless and keep you and your family
– Dawn