Aretha Turlington

Aretha Turlington ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Circle of Life Funeral Home on Mar. 17, 2026.We gather today to honor and celebrate the life of Aretha Alease Turlington, affectionately known by many as "Respect" or "Ree Ree". Born on July 3, 1972, in Camden, New Jersey, Aretha lived a life permeated with an ambitious spirit, compassion for others, and an undeniable courage that was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Though Aretha's journey through life was unexpectedly cut short on March 9, 2026, her legacy of love and selflessness lives on in the hearts of all those she touched.Aretha was the embodiment of the phrase, "It takes a village to raise a child." She grew up in Pennsauken, NJ, and later made her home in Dover, NJ, where her home was always open and filled with love. She was never officially employed, but her devotion to her three children, Alaja, Ajia, and Alaujuan, was a full-time job in itself. She was an advocate for her children and all children in the community, leading with her loving heart and courageous spirit. Her children were the center of her universe and she embodied the words of Elizabeth Stone, "Making the decision to have a child - it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."Aretha's infectious smile could light up any room and her laughter was the life of every party. She was the guiding light for her siblings, leaving behind her sister Dawn Turlington. Her compassionate heart and unconditional love extended to everyone she encountered, regardless of who they were. She was a mother figure to all, leaving a void that can never be filled. Aretha was preceded in death by her adoring parents, Thomas and Melvenia Turlington.Her life and memory will be celebrated at a viewing to be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 1:00pm EDT at the Macedonia Baptist Church, located at 351 High Street, Westville, New Jersey, 08093. As we celebrate her life, we remember the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Aretha made everyone feel loved and valued, and her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her.We encourage you to share your memories and upload photos of Aretha to her memorial page. Your stories and pictures will serve as a testament to her life and the love she shared with all of us.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.