Mrs. Karla Jenise (Turner) Williams

August 22, 1963 - August 31, 2017

Mrs. Karla Jenise (Turner) Williams, 54, of Peoria, IL passed away at 12:48 am on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Karla was born on August 22, 1963 in Peoria, IL to Leslie and Geraldine (Edmonds) Turner. Karla accepted Christ at an early age at Zion Baptist Church. She was educated in District 150 schools, graduating from Peoria Central High School. Karla earned Associates Degrees in General and Early Childhood Education from Illinois Central College, East Peoria, IL. She married the love of her life, Patrick N. Williams, on October 17, 1992. Youth advocacy was Karla’s passion in life. She was a youth counselor for the Children’s Home, focusing on teen pregnancies. She also wrote grants to get financial aid for the Children’s Home. Karla volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children. She was slated to become a Youth Ministry Leader at Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ, where she attended church. Karla leaves to cherish her most precious memories her loving and devoted husband of 25 years, Patrick N. Williams of Peoria; her devoted father, Leslie “Frank” Turner of Peoria; three brothers, Keith (Vicki) Turner, Elder Kelvin (Lisa) Turner both of Peoria and Kenneth (Financée, Lynn Rogers) Turner of Galesburg, IL; two sister-in-laws, Darlene Williams and Bernadette Williams; brother-in-law, Pastor Naymond (Maxine) Williams, Jr. all of Peoria; nieces and nephews who adored Karla, Tamerla “Tammy” of Wilmington, CA; Kendra of Taylorville, IL; Kevin of East Moline, IL; Erika of Richmond, VA; De’Marcus, Ste’Von, David and Lincoln all of Peoria; great nephews, Brycen of Danville, IL; Jaylan and Julian of Peoria; and her loving mother-in-law, Mrs. Delores Williams and other family and friends who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Turner. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 8, 2017 at Zion Baptist Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Samuel Duren will officiate. Karla will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.