Janet E. Turner

Janet Elaine (Kirkley) Turner, 56, of Albany, New York passed away on Monday, December 14, 2020 at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia.

Janet was affectionately known as, “Nana” by her loved ones or “Auntie.” Janet was born on May 18, 1964 to Agustus Kirkley and Muriel L. Kirkley-Edmond of Albany, New York and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

James Jr. and Janet met and were married on September 7, 1991.

Janet was educated in the Albany City School System. She was a lifelong resident of Albany, New York. For over 35 years, Janet ran her private daycare center called “Janet’s Place”. Hundreds of families had the honor and privilege of experiencing her love of children and her dedication.

Janet embraced the idea of having a union of family child care providers right from the beginning. Once she recognized the chance for providers to have real power by organizing under the guidance of CSEA, she became an ardent Leader and Activist. Whenever there was a task at hand, Janet would say “how can I help?” She eventually assumed the role of Chapter Representative for the CSEA/VOICE Capital District Chapter and as member of the CSEA/VOICE Executive Board. Her cheerful, positive yet no nonsense personality engaged all of us who worked with her. She was instrumental and was a founding member to the CSEA Child Care Union.

Janet affectionately known as, “Tissue Girl” was a 16-year member of Empire Christian Center. Janet served in any capacity that was needed in the church. Many people joined Empire Christian Center because of her warm welcome they received from Janet at the front doors. Janet will always be remembered by her church and the community as a loving, kind, having a huge heart, funny and her amazing hugs. Janet left an indelible mark on all of us. We mean that literally, with her bright red lipstick.

Janet was a helper wherever she went. She was on the staff of S.L. Mclaughlin Funeral Home where she loved serving her community. She had so much compassion for those who lost a loved one. She had a unique ability for knowing what they were going through. She would often have funny disagreements with Ms. McLaughlin over the flower arrangements. She would stick by her side and she knew she could always count on Janet every single time. Janet wasn’t just a member of her staff but her good friend.

She leaves to cherish, her loving memory: Husband, James Turner; Father, Agustus Kirkley of Albany, New York; Brother Mark Harvey of Albany, New York. Stepfather Bernard Edmond Sr; Brother Bernard Edmond Jr. both of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; Her “Special Nieces” and a host of family and friends. Janet was preceded in death by her two Sisters, Donna M. Burrell and Jenine Harvey; Brother William (Cocoa) Kirkley; Son, Damien L. Sanders who was the “love of her life”; Mother Muriel L. Edmond.