Remembering community leader Richard L. Turner

SALISBURY, Md. – “I’m sure from whatever corner Richard is watching, he’s saying, yeah!” said Iris Turner.

Iris Turner says she is grateful for the support she has gotten from her community after losing her husband Richard to cancer two years ago.

On Sunday, members of the St. James AME Zion Church dedicated a room to Richard L. Turner Sr. who taught for 40 years in Wicomico County and fought for equality during school desegregation.

“After 1966, the schools were integrated because at that time Salisbury High School was segregated and he was one of those teachers who helped integrate schools by going into other schools and working with kids of both races,” said Wicomico County Public Schools Board Member Allen Brown.

Iris says her husband did more than just teach.

She says he stayed working in the room dedicated to him for hours on end to help serve countless people in the community.

“He spent a lot of time in this room because he worked with the boards of the church and this where they had a lot of their group meetings,” said Iris Turner.

Richard L. Turner also worked tirelessly at the Salvation Army to help start programs with hopes to help as many children as possible thrive.

“His kindness and his words of wisdom kind of touched lots of kids from lots of different walks of life,” said Brown.

“He was a good teacher, a good role model and I think many individuals such as myself really appreciate the interest that he took in us,” said Brown.

Although Richard is no longer here, community members say his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.

Richard was also principal at Mardela High School and taught at multiple schools including Pittsville High School and Parkside High School.