Birdie T. James

Birdie Turner James was the second of three children born to the late James Edward and Mildred (Decatur) Turner on December 5, 1928 in Mobile, Alabama.  She peacefully departed this life on August 3, 2019 at her home in Bowie, Maryland.

Even after moving to Maryland from Alabama, Birdie Turner James remained a long time member of Nazarene A.M.E Zion Church, Citronelle, Alabama where she had been an active member of the church pastored by the late Rev. Cleon Roberts.

She received her elementary and secondary education in Citronelle and Mobile, Alabama.  On May 29, 1950, she received her Bachelor’s Degree from Shaw University, in North Carolina, and was a librarian in the public school system of Mobile County for over thirty-five years.

Birdie’s dedication, professionalism, commitment and love for reading and research during her many years as a librarian had a profound positive impact on so many others.  She also found time for involvement in church and community activities.  She was always there for family and friends to share in their joys and to help in their time of need.  You could always count on Birdie to provide sage advice from the heart.  Birdie found time to improve the quality of her life and others. 

She is preceded in death by her older brother, Dr. (Army COL retired) Henry Clay (June) Turner and younger sister, Edwina Turner Perkins; She is survived by one niece, Judge (Navy CDR retired) Ingrid M. Turner; three nephews, LTC (Ret) Henry C. (Winifred) Turner, Jr., LTC (Ret) Michael E. (Olivia) Turner, LTC (Ret) Eric C. (Alfie Lena) Turner; six great nieces, Nicole, Danielle, Erin, Leah, Mikayla and Mikenzie; three great nephews, Langston, Dominic and Michael; and other relatives and friends.