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Mr. Frank S. Turner

A digital memorial tribute featuring a photograph of Frank S. Turner. The text reads: 'Celebrating the life of HCC Trustee, MD State Delegate, and Morgan State Professor, Frank S. Turner,' with a decorative flourish underneath.

Please click here to view the online program for the memorial service.

Below is the livestream of the memorial service for those who were unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Howard Community College Educational Foundation. Donations can be made online, designated to the Delegate Frank Turner Endowment or by check made payable to the Howard Community College Educational Foundation (please note Delegate Frank Turner Endowment on the memo line) and mailed to: Howard Community College Educational Foundation, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.

Cards and correspondence may be mailed to the family, c/o The Howell Funeral Homes at 10220 Guilford Road, Jessup, MD 20794.

The Turner Family is grateful for your love, prayers, and support during this time.

The Howard Community College Board of Trustees, President Daria J. Willis, Ph.D., and the entire campus community mourn the death of Trustee Frank S. Turner, a beloved friend, advocate, educator, and civil servant of the highest regard. He died on February 14, 2025 at the age of 77.

Turner was appointed to the HCC Board of Trustees by former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan in 2019 and reconfirmed in 2024 by Gov. Wes Moore. Before his tenure, he distinguished himself as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Howard County's 13^th District from 1995 to 2009. His fervor for improving the lives of all Marylanders led to his chairing or vice-chairing committees on personnel oversight, education & economic development, juvenile justice, and the joint committee on gaming, as well as his service as House Chair of the Howard County Delegation. Other legislative committee memberships included Judiciary, Appropriations, rules, and executive nominations.

"In a long list of iconic community leaders who have committed their time, their knowledge, and their resources in service of Howard Community College and its students, few outpace the impact of Del. Turner," said Daria J. Willis, President of Howard Community College. "His love for and his faith in this institution were apparent in his work, his conversation, his giving, and in his advocacy. His expansive intellect and passion for the intersections of higher education and policymaking made clear that joy was in helping people to discover their greatest potential. We join his family, our county, and our state in honoring a remarkable life."

Born in Mt. Pleasant, New York, Turner was a 1968 graduate of North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University). He earned a law degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in 1973. He went on to a distinguished career as a professor of business law and legal environment in the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management at Morgan State University from 1974-2015, earning the title of professor emeritus.

A member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he was a prolific supporter of many service organizations throughout Howard County, earning awards from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, the Maryland Association of Community Services, the Howard County Democratic Central Committee, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, to name just a few.

A major donor to the Howard Community College Educational Foundation, he was a 2018 recipient of the Howard Community College Legacy of Service award. In celebrating his memory, he leaves his wife Kim, five children, and generations of families who benefited from his impact.

We celebrate the legacy of a dearly loved leader and example of the HCC standard of friendship, compassion, and excellence.

Statement from the Turner Family:

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Frank S. Turner, Sr.— husband, father, grandfather, brother, family patriarch, and dedicated public servant. Frank transitioned early Friday, February 14th at the age of 77. A casual photo of Trustee Frank Turner

Our beloved Frank was a man of deep integrity, passionate about his family and serving others. As the first Black judge in Howard County and the first elected Black representative from Howard County in the General Assembly, he broke barriers and served District 13 with unwavering dedication for more than two decades. As a delegate, Frank never stopped striving to uplift those around him. His commitment to education and community building continued through his work on the Howard Community College Board of Trustees.

While we grieve, we also celebrate Frank’s incredible legacy. He was a trailblazer and a pillar in the community, but to us, he was also a devoted family man who loved and connected with all of us as individuals. His impact on our family, his friends, and the countless lives he touched along his life’s journey will forever be remembered.

We are incredibly grateful for the love, support, kind words and gestures from Frank’s many friends, former colleagues, classmates and the entire Howard County community.

Frank passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Details for his celebration of life service will be shared soon.

With love and gratitude,
The Turner Family