Rev. Helen Turner-Thompson
REV. HELEN TURNER THOMPSON departed this life on March 5, 2024. She was born
January 7, 1931, to proud parents Sarah Turner and Richard Collins (both preceded her in death)
in Cleveland, OH.
Helen accepted Christ at an early age and was widely respected in the gospel community and
beyond as an expert musician, singer, and disciple of God’s word.
Helen enjoyed the word of God and developed her voice within notable churches around the city
of Cleveland such as Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, and her final home at
Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church. She was a faithful member of the congregation and church
leadership devoting her talent in choir management, mentorship, and leading souls to Christ.
As a curious student, Helen excelled in grade school and earned a community-sponsored
enrollment at Cleveland Music Settlement. In June 1944, Helen began playing the piano for the
Charles Lucas Choir and accompanied the choir for six months for various tent revivals, Sunday
services and later, Helen’s love for gospel music quartets.
During her tenure as assistant director and pianist for the Second Mt. Sinai Gospel Choir is
where Helen met and married Donald Thompson, Sr. To their union were born four children
Donald Jr., Yvonne, Janet, and Mark. Helen affectionately referred to her children as her first
musical quartet who accompanied her to all her programs and quietly ate their sandwiches and
did their homework.
In her multi-hyphenated career abounding many firsts and trailblazing accomplishments, Helen
formed the Antioch Spiritual Arts Choir in 2009. This group of united voices from choirs within
Antioch Baptist Church and at times other church and community choir’s is a co-ed group of
spirited voices sharing the Word through spirituals, anthems, folk and gospel music.
Immediately prior to retirement, Helen served as the Director and Accompanist for the Gospel
Choir at the University Circle United Methodist Church. Helen also conducted Concert
Performers, Ministry in Music Workshops, Seminars, and Ministerial Speaking Engagements.
Throughout her successful life and music career, Helen received numerous awards and
recognitions including her honorable Resolution of Recognition from the City of Cleveland and
the Governor of Ohio.
Helen leaves in God’s Care, her four children – Donald, Jr., (Sherry), Yvonne, Janet, Mark, and
spiritual daughter Vivian. Her loving sister Frances Crawford. Five grandchildren; eight great
grandchildren and a host of friends and Christian family and loved ones.