Thomas Jefferson Turner left a legacy that will forever be remembered in Detroit, the State of Michigan, throughout the United States and around the world.

Leadership was his gift. Service was his passion.  Combined, they create his legacy.

His early life was shaped by his service in the United States Army Corps. He served in World War II and was held as a prisoner of war for six months during the Korean War.  For his valiant service, Tom earned the “Purple Heart,” the highest honor that a soldier can receive.

Thomas Turner was the first African American to head a labor council in the United States of America, whereby in 1969, the AFL-CIO Councils of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties merged into the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO and Tom was overwhelmingly elected president of the new organization where he faced the challenge of rebuilding the membership of the Metro Detroit council after the United Auto Workers (UAW) withdrew from the AFL-CIO.  He also had to steer the unions through the difficult times of the 1970s and 1980s, and was instrumental in bringing the International Teamsters and UAW back to the AFL-CIO.  Mr. Turner served as president until leaving to take the post of Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan AFL-CIO in 1988, a position he held until his retirement.

Tom served for more than twenty (20) years on the NAACP National Board of Directors and was the Chair of the National Convention Planning Committee and Resolutions Committee for many years.  He also served as president of the Detroit Branch NAACP from 1968-1970 and took on the role of president of the Michigan State Conference of NAACP Branches in 1976 where he attempted to use his prominent positions in the two (2) organizations to bring the interests of African Americans and labor together.  Tom’s civil rights activity also included, but was not limited to, service on the national board of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and New Detroit, Inc.  He was a strong advocate of youth programs and worked with such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Detroit.

After a somewhat lengthy illness, Tom Turner passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 17, 2011 – with a book by Rev. Dr. Benjamin Hooks, former NAACP National Director, resting on his chest.

Beyond his immediate family, friends throughout the City of Detroit, the State of Michigan and the entire country mourn the loss of Thomas Jefferson Turner. His outstanding career has benefited thousands of working families and because of him, the world is a much better place.

Tom is survived by his sons Michael Turner and Eric Turner; daughters Veronica Turner, Rhonda Gafford and Torri Ashford; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Nettie Mae Leonard.