Elizabeth Grace (Turnipseed) Buckner

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)

On Monday afternoon, November 14, 2016, Chaplain Captain Elizabeth Grace Turnipseed Buckner went to her eternal home.

Elizabeth was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 17, 1972 to James Turnipseed and the late Patricia McDaniels. She united in holy matrimony with Edward Buckner on December 24, 1997.

Elizabeth began her education in the Louisville, Mississippi School System and graduated from Drew High School in Drew, Mississippi.  She received her bachelor’s degree from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, a master’s degree from Delta State University and a Master of Divinity from the Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Cleveland, Tennessee where she was awarded the F. J. May Excellence in Preaching Award.

Elizabeth was a true soldier in the army of the Lord having served God from her youth. She preached her first sermon on February 11, 1990, entitled “There’s No Other Name” from Acts 8:12. On October 16, 2016, Elizabeth preached her last sermon “Keep Believing” from Romans 4:18-25.  As her daddy says, “She could preach the paint off the wall.” A servant leader, Elizabeth found great satisfaction in serving as an Armor Bearer to her Spiritual Mentor, Dr. Peggy Matthews, at the Latter Rain Family Worship Center. She was an ordained minister in the Church of God and faithfully served as an associate pastor, musician, and Director of the Young Adult Ministries at the Beacon Avenue Church of God in Providence, Rhode Island.  Elizabeth was a quiet storm, who always took a stand for righteousness and holiness.  She will be remembered as a mighty woman of God with unwavering faith.

For two years Elizabeth had the opportunity to share God’s love and compassion while employed as a Chaplain with Beacon Hospice, an Amedisys Company.

Elizabeth was also a committed Soldier in the United States Army for more than two decades. Her primary specialties included Public Affairs Chief and Water Treatment Specialist  She received the following service awards: Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Second Bronze Oak Leaf, Rhode Island Defense Service Ribbon, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with Second Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device and Nato Medal.

Elizabeth leaves fond memories in the hearts of her loving husband, Elder Edward Buckner; two daughters, Dar-jnae Buckner and Ray-ona Buckner; two step-daughters, Johnnie Mae Buckner and Edrica Buckner of Tchula, MS; her father and stepmother, Bishop James and Rev. Lillian Turnipseed of Providence, RI; three brothers, Lt. Col. Timothy Turnipseed of El Paso, TX; Dr. Ivan Turnipseed of Philadelphia, PA; Former Staff Sgt. Nathan (Patrice) Turnipseed of Buford, GA; one sister, Staff Sgt. Christina Turnipseed of Fairbanks, AK; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Percy and Lizzie Redmond of Tchula, MS; five grandchildren, four nephews, six aunts, eight uncles; four sisters-in-law, two brothers–in-law, a special cousin, Roshawn Jones of Chicago, IL, her “play son, EJ/Carl”, and a host of relatives and friends.

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