Sherrie Ann Turner

In Loving Memory of Sherrie Ann Perkins Turner January 14, 1937 – June 30, 2025

Sherrie Ann Perkins Turner, the first daughter and third of six children born to Joseph Price and Florence Ellen Barker Perkins of Owensboro, Kentucky, made her beautiful entrance into the world on January 14, 1937. She peacefully departed this life on June 30, 2025.

Widely known for her musical brilliance, Sherrie was a gifted pianist, conductor, and arts educator whose life was rich with creativity and devotion. Sherrie’s musical journey began on an upright piano at her childhood home, guided by her mother, a gifted pianist and organist. Her early lessons sparked a lifelong passion, leading her to graduate as salutatorian of her high school class. She began her college studies at Brescia College, performing in concerts under Sisters Mary Margarite and Mary Carmel, then transferred to Central State College in Wilberforce, Ohio, where she earned a B.S. in Music Education.

It was at Central State that Sherrie met W. Charles Turner, her husband and life partner until his passing in 2006. The two moved to Cincinnati, married, and welcomed their first child, Tori Alicia. Sherrie later earned a master’s degree in music from Indiana University. After graduation, the couple’s family grew to include two sons, Vincent Charles and Vernon Clarence.

Sherrie and Charles dedicated their professional lives to Cincinnati Public Schools, where they were beloved music educators. Sherrie’s career included teaching at Roll Hill, Quebec Heights, Bloom Junior High, Aiken High School, and Peoples Junior High, where she mentored numerous students—including future Broadway star Alton White.

Sherrie’s work as a church organist and choir director left a lasting legacy. She served faithfully at Zion Baptist, Bethel Baptist, and St. Peter’s UCC, uniting amateur and professional performers in powerful sacred productions like Messiah, Elijah, Jesus Christ Superstar, Gospel Mass, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. Her collaborations featured noted artists, including sopranos Lois Wilkins and Patricia Booth, baritone Harold Tolliver, and actor-turned-TV-Film director Rob Greenlea.

Sherrie’s ability to produce grand-scale musical events reached its peak during these years, creating unforgettable performances for Christmas, Easter, and school celebrations—all while raising her three children and nurturing a vibrant family life.

In 1998, Sherrie co-founded A Mighty Spirit Celebrations (AMSC), a visionary arts organization created by a collective of retired African American educators and community leaders. AMSC’s mission was to awaken young minds to cultural diversity and artistic expression. Productions included Pulse of a Culture, A New Mind On Call, and Tell Me a Story (featuring live animals). The cantata A Mighty Spirit at the Aronoff Center brought together over 300 performers, including actor Avery Brooks, gospel artist Larnelle Harris, regional standouts Evander Cherry Models, the Kentucky State Concert Choir, Princess Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Theater, McGing Irish Dancers, and more. AMSC became a cultural force in Cincinnati, fostering youth engagement and community collaboration through music and theater.

Sherrie’s deep faith and artistic vision came together in worship. Her musical leadership in churches—especially at Zion Baptist Church—left a profound spiritual and emotional legacy. Her gift for revealing God’s presence through music deeply touched countless lives.

In family life, Sherrie was equally devoted. She lovingly renovated the family home in Owensboro for her parents, compiled a written genealogy of the Barker family, and opened her home for reunions and celebrations. Along with her sister, she organized a spectacular 50th wedding anniversary event for their parents—just one example of her ability to turn family milestones into cherished memories.

Sherrie leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, creativity, and leadership. She is survived by her three children: Tori, Vincent, and Vernon; four grandchildren: Ian, Vernon Charles, Amaya, and Valen; and great-grandchild: Iris. She is also survived by her sister, Marcia Perkins, and her brother, Albert Perkins; nieces Sherrie Marcia Baker, Patrise Perkins-Hooker (husband Douglas), and Denise Perkins-Griffith (husband Shelby); nephews Mark Perkins (wife Genine) and Robert Matthew Baker (wife Jillian); Joshua Holmgren and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and close friends.

On the Barker side of the family, she is survived by her cousins and their families: Carolyn, Marilyn, Yvonne, and Esther Woodard; David, Debbie, Reva, and Geneva Kelly; and the descendants of Callie Jones McQuire.

Sherrie’s legacy is etched in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her music lives on in the lives she touched, the voices she lifted, and the faith she so joyfully expressed.

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