Jamal R. Turpin

ELKHART- Jamal R. Turpin, 10, of Elkhart, passed away Friday June 23, 2017 at Elkhart General Hospital, as a result of an accidental drowning at Ideal Beach.
He was born April 10, 2007 in Three Rivers, MI.
Survivors include his mother, Charice J. (Coleman) Winters of Elkhart; father, William “Calvin” Turpin Jr. of Elkhart; twin sister, Jalisa Turpin of Elkhart, sister, Mina Winters of Elkhart; 2 brothers, Gabriel Winters and Elijah Winters both of Elkhart; aunts, Vernita Coleman of Elkhart and Wanda Withers of Markham, IL, great-aunts; Jonette Smith, of Detroit, Reva (Bob) Paige of Durham, N.C.,Mimi (Monroe) Johnson of Kalamazoo, MI, Lisa. Boykins of Kalamazoo MI, great-uncles, Anthony ( Alison) Boykins of Kalamazoo MI, Dwight (Denise ) Boykins of Warrenville IL; maternal grandfather, Jessie Williams of Markham, IL and paternal grandmother, Tannette Turpin of Cassopolis, MI.; seven aunts, Monnette Neal, Tammy Turpin, Tayna (Johnnie) Turpin-McCary, Yvette (Derrick) Bramley, Carmen Turpin, Jeano Turpin and Brandy Wilson; three uncles, Darius Foston, Elmorece Neal and Vernell Wilson and a host of cousins.
Jamal was preceded in death by his grandmother, Marjorie Coleman and grandfather, William Calvin Turpin Sr.
Jamal was currently a student at Roosevelt STEAM Academy in Elkhart where he was known for his smile and hugs, as well as his sweet and loving personality. He loved math, science, music and was always the first to greet visitors and welcome them to the classroom. Jamal was also incredibly dedicated to music and his clarinet, and enjoyed challenging himself to grow as a musician. He loved to practice music in the hallway and play for classes as they walked by. Jamal was never afraid to speak up and stand up for what he believed in, especially if he saw someone being treated unfairly. He had a strong sense of family and family values and was extremely loyal to his family members, especially his twin sister.
The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the 1:30 PM funeral service on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Canaan Baptist Church, 933 Fieldhouse Ave., Elkhart. Pastor Mona McKenzie will officiate. Cremation will follow at Elkhart Cremation Services. Waterman-Westbrook & Clouse Funeral Home, 1129 Prairie Street, Elkhart, is entrusted with arrangements.

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