Dr. Deborah Ann Turner

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, 73, on January 28, 2024, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. A cherished friend, wife, aunt, mother, and esteemed community leader, Deborah’s legacy is woven into the fabric of her local, national, and international communities.

Born on October 4, 1950 in Mason City, Iowa, Deborah was an excellent student, musician, and cheerleader at Mason City High School where she earned significant honors such as the National Merit Scholarship. Her dedication to education continued at Iowa State University where she was the first Black woman to be accepted into a sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She received her Bachelor of Science before obtaining her Doctor of Medicine at the University of Iowa, participating in the American Cancer Society’s Fellowship Program, and receiving her Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School.

Deborah was a medical practitioner for 35 years. Her expertise in Gynecologic Oncology earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and patients alike. In 2016, Deborah combined her extensive background in medicine with her passion for rights advocacy by becoming the Associate Medical Director at Planned Parenthood of North Central States. Her most recent honor was her service as National President of the League of Women Voters, a role she proudly held since 2020.

Deborah leaves behind a legacy of achievements that will continue to inspire future generations, such as being honored by the Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, receiving the Vanguard Award from the NAACP, being inducted into the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame, and accepting the Gertrude Rush Award from the National Bar Association.

Family was the pillar upon which her work was built. Deborah is preceded in death by beloved parents Willie and Maybelle (Farley) Turner, her brothers Leroy Dunn, Raymond Dunn, Lavern Turner, and Clarence Turner, and her sisters Delores (Dunn) Macer and Darlene (Turner) Hill.

She is survived by her husband David Connolly, her children Danielle Hill and Daniyel Turner, her nieces and nephews Dawn Macer, Deanne (Macer) Hodge, Deniece Dunn, Ronnie Dunn, and Sterling Macer, Jr., many cousins, and her “chickens” and “grandchickens” around the world, who were a constant source of joy and pride.

To celebrate Deborah’s life, a visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3rd in the Campanile Room at Iowa State Memorial Union (2229 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50011) from 4 PM to 8 PM with family present from 6 PM until 8PM.

The funeral service will occur Sunday, February 4th in the Great Hall – Memorial Union (2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50011) with doors opening at 10 AM and the program beginning at 11 AM.

Her impact will be felt for generations by all those touched by her generosity, kindness and grace.

Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City. (641)423-2372. ColonialChapels.com