Paulette Atterberry

Our beloved Paulette Juvonne Atterberry, departed from this life surrounded by those she loved, her husband of 21 years, two sons and a host of family on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

A celebration of life service will be held 11 am Friday, June 21, 2019 at Refreshing Fountains Church, 175 S. Euclid, Benton Harbor. Friends may meet with the family from 6-8 pm Thursday at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Born to Isaiah Jackson and Rosa Williams on June 6, 1968 and was placed with love in the care of Henry L. Turner and Eula Turner.

A proud graduate of Benton Harbor High Schools class of 1986, Paulette was on the cheerleading squad and a member of the Benton Harbor Tiger Marching Band as a Pom.

Paulette accepted Christ at an early age at Peter’s Rock Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop James Wilkins, where she was a member of the sunshine choir and later on the youth choir. One of the first songs she was given to led was by Walter Hawkins “Be Grateful.”  The words to this very song were so appropriate as Paulette would soon face two of the greatest challenges of her life, fighting Lupus and kidney failure. Although battling sicknesses, hospitalization and suffering through many blood transfusions…Paulette’s strongest desire was to make an impact in her community.

On November 2008, Paulette became the coordinator for the Youth Build Program at Michigan Works, Benton Harbor, MI. Her work gave over to her passion of working closely with troubled young adults throughout Berrien County providing life skill programs, mentoring and counseling. Having to recreate and redesign the program several times to meet the ever changing needs and challenges both economically and socially. During her tenure at Youth Build, Paulette was known as much as for her strong and no nonsense approach and high expectations of her participants, but she was also known and loved for her guiding and nurturing motherly advice, her dimpled smile and most of all her warm and loving hugs.

In 2016, Paulette started Turner Jackson, LLC, specializing in consulting, grant writing, professional resumes and cover letters. Following her sons she became a member of Refreshing Fountains COGIC, under the leadership of Superintendent Melvin Burton. It was there at Refreshing Fountains during a lock in prayer service that Paulette received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and two days later she was called to the University Hospital in Ann Arbor to receive her new kidney. Paulette was faithful to the ministry and became Superintendent Burton’s secretary, church secretary, as well as Soul Winner’s District secretary. With the inception of the Power Mentoring Program Paulette used her experience and love for youth to work with the youth of the church to build 25-30 sheds during the Harbor Habitat Jimmy Carter Blitz. She also spearheaded the Boyz to Men Conference in which over 200 ties where donated by area merchants so that each participant’s father or male mentor could learn to tie a neck tie and have that same brand new tie to take home.

Amongst those who have gathered and will always remember and cherish the love she so freely gave to us are… her beloved husband Ricky Atterberry. Isaiah Jackson: Jackson, MS and Rosa Williams: Detroit, MI. Her Mother Eula Mae Turner: St. Joseph, Michigan. Her sons, James Donald (Antoynae) Lockett III: Perrysburg, Ohio, Anton Dontai (Ariel) Lockett, Adrian Atterberry and Ricky Atterberry II of Benton Harbor, Michigan and her godson Josiah Javon Morris, Kent, Washington.Grandson’s, Braelyn James Lockett and Peyton James Lockett: Perrysburg, Ohio. Sisters, Kenya Ellis, Deborah Ellis: both of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Marshell Booker: Wilson, Arkansas, Sheila Gill: Glendale Heights, Ill, Connie (Christopher) Taylor: Terry, MS, Debbie (Theoloneus) Patterson Kizer, Connie Johnson and Angel Berry all of Benton Harbor, MI. Brothers, Walter Campbell: Battle Creek, Michigan and Eric (Lori) Turner, Cincinnati, Ohio, Isaiah Zeek Jackson, Jr: Jackson, MS., Marcus (Sharron) Jackson: Dallas, TX and Rafael (Shalandrea) Jackson: Clinton, MS. Sister in law, Tawana (Ronald) Bennett: Scottsdale, Arizona. five brother in laws, Dwight (Keeler) Atterberry: Benton Harbor, Michigan, Patrick (Carmen) Atterberry: Kansas City, MO, James V Atterberry: Michigan City, IN, Mark (Shandaligwa) Atterberry: Stevensville, MI, Bryan Atterberry: Coffeeville, MS. Uncles, Captain James FA Turner: Spain, Clifton (Linda) Turner: Flint, MI., Willie Campbell: Mantachie, MS.  Aunts, Gertie Mae Turner: Benton Harbor, MI, Minnie Harvey: Jackson, MS and Irene & Uncle Theameouse Patterson: Benton Harbor, MI. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding her in death was her father Henry Lee Turner, granddaughter Evelyn Mae Lockett, Brother Wayne Fields and Aunt Henrietta Ratliff.