League Mourns Loss of LWVUS President

Dr. Deborah Ann Turner

SERVICES ON  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 -- READ BELOW

Press Release / Last Updated: January 29, 2024

WASHINGTON — It is with profound sadness that the League of Women Voters announces the passing of our esteemed president, Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, who passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from complications from a pulmonary embolism. 

A fearless advocate for voting rights and women’s rights, Dr. Turner devoted her life’s work to impacting meaningful changes in the lives of voters across the nation. As the 20th president of the 103-year-old voting rights organization, Dr. Turner played a pivotal role in fighting for a more fair and representative union, while uplifting racial equity in the League’s mission work. 

Dr. Turner first joined the League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines in 2010 and later served as president until 2015. At the same time, she also served on the LWV of Iowa board as the state vice president from 2011 to 2015, becoming co-president in 2015. In her dual roles with state and local Leagues, Deborah has devoted her leadership to strengthening relationships between local leagues and the state Board.     

“Dr. Turner was the consummate leader who poured her heart and soul for the preservation of our democracy," said Virginia Kase Solomón, CEO of the League of Women Voters. “Her leadership exemplified grace, empathy, strength, and determination, and we will forever be grateful for her passion and dedication to this organization.” 

Dr. Turner practiced gynecologic oncology for 35 years, working directly with patients and teaching students and trained residents in university programs across the Midwest. She participated in a dozen international medical missions and served as the associate medical director of Planned Parenthood of North Central States. 

The League of Women Voters staff, board, and Leagues from across the country mourn this loss, and our thoughts are with Dr. Turner’s family during this difficult time. We are committed to honoring her legacy by continuing to uphold our values to empower voters and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy. 

 

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You can read our official statement on LWV.org here

https://leagueofwomenvoters.salsalabs.org/services020124?eType=EmailBlas... 

From LWVUS Announcement:

Dear League members,  Dr. Turner’s family wanted to be sure that we shared the details of the upcoming memorial services this weekend and invite you to participate either in person or online. Visitation  Saturday, February 3, 2024  Iowa State University Memorial Union, Campanile Room  2229 Lincoln Way  Ames, IA 50011  4pm – 8pm Central Time Funeral Service  Sunday, February 4, 2024  Iowa State University Memorial Union, Great Hall  2229 Lincoln Way  Ames, IA 50011  Doors: 10am Central Time  Service: 11am – 12:30pm Central Time    We have created a live stream on our LWVUS Facebook page, where you can tune in on Sunday morning to follow the service live at 11am Central Time or watch later.  DR. TURNER FUNERAL LIVE STREAM We hope watching or attending these services will bring you peace in the coming days. Virginia Kase Solomón LWVUS CEO