Maxine Lord Turner

Maxine Lord Turner, born January 1, 1944, in Milford, Delaware, entered into life eternal on January 28, 2026, in Newark, Delaware, and now rests in the loving presence of her Lord and Savior. A woman whose faith shaped every season of her life, Maxine lived with kindness, purpose, and a deep commitment to loving and serving others. Her life reflects the words of Scripture: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Maxine was a lifelong Delawarean whose warmth, creativity, and deep compassion for others defined her life. She graduated from Milford Senior High School in 1961 and went on to attend cosmetology school in Wilmington. She began her career as a hairstylist at a salon in Milford before fulfilling her dream of opening and operating her own salon, which she ran successfully for ten years.

In 1974, Maxine began a new chapter devoted to caring for others, accepting a position as Activity Director at Milford Manor Nursing Home. Her work with the elderly became not just a career, but a calling. In 1989, she left Milford Manor to join the State of Delaware Division of Aging, where she continued advocating for and supporting the elderly population until her retirement in 1998.

After retiring, Maxine and her husband Parker moved to Lewes, Delaware, where they enjoyed beach life—a place Maxine always loved. True to her lifelong passion for serving seniors, she returned to work part-time at Harbor Healthcare in Lewes, continuing to support and advocate for the elderly well into her retirement years.

Maxine was a lifelong member of Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford and later Long Neck United Methodist Church in Lewes. Her faith and sense of community remained central throughout her life. In her quieter moments, she found joy in crafting and gardening, pursuits that reflected her creativity and nurturing spirit.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Pauline Lord of Milford; her brother, Eugene Lord; and her beloved husband of 59 years, Parker Turner.

She is survived by her sons, David Turner and his wife Lisa of Allen, Texas, and Clay Turner and his wife Diane of Newark, Delaware. She was a devoted grandmother to David’s sons, Luke Turner (and his wife Caroline) of New York, New York, and Ben Turner (and his wife Natalie) of Bentonville, Arkansas, and to Clay’s daughters, Madi Turner of Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Emily Turner of Newark, Delaware. She is also survived by her brother, Brian Lord of Greenwood, Delaware.

Maxine will be remembered for her kindness, dedication to others, love of family, and unwavering advocacy for the elderly—an enduring legacy that touched many lives.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rogers-Hovatter Funeral Home of Milford, Delaware. Interment will take place at Milford Community Cemetery (Odd Fellows Cemetery) in Milford, Delaware at a future date.

Donations in Maxine’s honor may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Alzheimer’s Association.