Barbara Ann Turpin of Southampton Dies November 4

Barbara Ann Turpin of Southampton died on November 4. She was 89.

She was born on March 17, 1935, in Southampton. She grew up on Flying Point Road, where she lived until she was 29 years old. Her excellent communication skills were recognized and nurtured at Southampton High School. She was well-loved by her teachers and mentors, who saw great potential in her writing and speaking abilities, enhanced by her charisma. Her empathy, kind spirit, and active listening skills endeared her to many in her church and the broader community.

She was very social and built many meaningful friendships throughout her life. As a teenager, she loved spending time with her cousins. In her adult years, her home became a popular gathering spot, often filled with family and friends who were blessed by her cheerful demeanor.

From a young age, she was active at First Baptist Church in Southampton, where she played the piano, sang in the choir, and served as the director of the youth choir for many years.

In 1951, she faced a choice between pursuing a nursing degree or getting married. She chose to marry William (Sonny) Turpin from Riverhead. Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Dimon hosted an elaborate wedding for her at their private estate on Flying Point Road. She never regretted her choice to be a loving wife and devoted mother, viewing these roles as her true vocation. She adored her husband, Sonny, and cherished their 73 years together.

Their marriage produced five children. In addition to her five biological children, she was a foster mother and a spiritual mother to a countless number of individuals who reside locally in Suffolk County and across the country. Her vibrancy left a lasting impression on anyone she encountered, and she had an exceptional ability to remember every person she met—never forgetting a face or name.

She had a deep love and respect for her parents and, before raising her own family, she was delighted to serve them wherever and whenever needed. Additionally, she was a second mom to her younger siblings and enjoyed nagging her older brother by keeping him in check.

In 1991, she and her husband became members of King’s Chapel Church of God in Christ, where their faith journey continued to grow and flourish. She loved and honored her pastors and looked for ways that she could encourage them.

She did not pursue the limelight or any position of power, but was always willing to serve in the background. She co-chaired the women’s department along with Mother Katherine Spellman for several years and served as one of the church mothers until her death. Over the past several years, because of her condition, she was unable to attend church services in person. However, she still had church in her home, fully engaged in online Sunday services throughout the day.

Her most outstanding quality was love, according to her family. She loved deeply and enjoyed the love and affirmation of those around her. She loved God passionately, loved her family whole-heartedly, loved her church and leaders unwaveringly, and embraced her life here on Earth fully, despite her health challenges. She enjoyed baking special treats for the house and to give to those she wanted to bless.

Her favorite saying was, “He is a wonderful Savior” which she would proclaim with her hands and head lifted in praise. During the final week of her life in the ICU, while family members sang songs of worship, despite being under heavy sedation, she was alert enough to open her eyes, nod her head and lift her hand in worship. Though her body was failing, her spirit remained vibrant.

The love of her life was her husband, Sonny. He was her hero, best friend, protector and soulmate. Over the past several years as she confronted many health challenges, he cared for her and made certain that things around the house remained in order. Seventy-three years ago, he made a promise that he would be her faithful partner for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love her unconditionally, honor, respect, and cherish her until death. A promise made was a promise kept.

She was predeceased by her parents, Harris and Helen Johnson; her older brother, Harold Johnson; and her daughter, Mary White (Calvin). She is survived by her husband, William Ted Turpin (Sonny); daughter, Helen T. Turpin; sons William T. Turpin Jr. (Yvonne) and Kevin H. Turpin (Wanda); daughter Tami L. Brown (Jerome); 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren: two brothers, Donald and Phillip Johnson; her sister, Hazel Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.