Having grown up with six siblings, supportive parents, and both sets of grandparents, it was only natural for Betty Brown Turner to focus her talents and nurturing background toward children in the greater Annapolis area through the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (BGCAA). Betty Brown Turner was born to be an educator and volunteer and her career has proved it.
“I became a member of the Board of Directors. That was more than 20 years ago”, Turner says. “I am committed to the mission, ‘To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.’”
Turner grew up in the Parole area of Annapolis and has stayed in the area to help make a positive impact on her hometown. After sixth grade at Parole Elementary School, Turner was sent to the only all black Junior/Senior High School in Anne Arundel County, Wiley H. Bates. Following her high school graduation, Turner attended and graduated from Bowie State College (University) and became the first college graduate in her family. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary/Middle School Education and began a 30-year education career with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. At first, she taught at the segregated Jones Elementary School and upon desegregation was transferred to Rolling Knolls Elementary.
After jumping between elementary and middle schools, Turner earned her Master’s in Guidance and Counseling back at her Alma mater and left the classroom for a position as a Pupal Personnel Worker. As a PPW, she was a liaison between school, home, and the community for students and was responsible for home visits, addressing attendance problems, special education compliance, counseling, and referrals to and working with community agencies.
Her position as a Pupal Personnel Worker is what got her thinking about the need for a Boys & Girls Club. She attended a fundraiser and was invited to visit the Bywater Club, the only Boys & Girls Club location at the time. “The emphasis on education and programs to develop the whole child was impressive and important to me as an educator,” Turner recalls.
The Club provides a safe and caring experience for children every day after school and during the summer, and helps ensure academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Turner has helped the local organization grow to six locations: Bywater, Meade Village, Freetown, Wiley H. Bates, Admiral Oaks, and Heritage Overlook.
With the help of Turner, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, has developed a strong relationship with BGCAA. The sorority’s Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy correlates with BGCAA Smart Girl’s Program and members of the Chapter meet regularly with BGCAA girls ages 11 to 14 to focus on both social and emotional development.
It is clear that her biggest joy of volunteering at BGCAA is the people she has worked with and because it is the start of great futures for these kids. She says how gratifying it was to have served with the late Ed Casey.. She says, “Ed was instrumental in bringing B&G to Annapolis.” Turner has also loved her time at BGCAA because it is a necessary organization to the community.
Though all of those reasons make the Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County special to Betty, she loves the satisfaction of being involved in the revitalization of her high school and for BGCAA to have its flagship clubhouse at Bates.
“Each time I walk into the Bates facility, it brings back so many fond memories. The main level was the cafeteria. The gym is where my brother was an outstanding basketball player for the Bates Little Giants.”
For the past 15 years, Betty has been a board member alongside Peter Summers, current BGCAA President. “I have developed a deep appreciation and respect for her as a person and a board member over the past 15 years,” Summers says. “Betty has a clear voice when expressing her thoughts or seeking information. Her education and life experiences are instructional and often provide direction to our discussions. She has a positive attitude and typically brings a smile and laughter to our meetings.”
Turner’s inspiration and influence on others, especially children, has extended to young adults too. She also is currently a member of the Bowie State University College of Education Advisory Board and the BSU Foundation Board of Directors. To provide financial assistance to students, the Betty Brown Turner Legacy Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to help fund students majoring in elementary, early, or special education.
All while holding positions on all levels of different committees, and serving on the board of many different organizations, Turner is the proud mother of two intelligent, successful daughters, three grandchildren who bring her the greatest joy, and has had a companion for many years.
