Sarah Burns-Turner

Sarah Crane Burns-Turner was born June 24, 1941 in Frederick, Oklahoma to Joe Diamond Crane and Emmer Ophelia Jackson Crane. She was the youngest of 13 children and from her birth was loved and cherished by her family beyond measure. Her parents, seven brothers: Eliza, Gentry, Paul, James, Mark, Daniel and John and six sisters: Mary, Rosie, Lillie, Martha, Ruth and Queen Esther preceded her in death. Three of her children: Markey Dale Crane, Joe Lynn Drake and Carla Verleen Hicks preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by husbands, Vertram Drake, Dudley A. Burns III and Clifton Turner. Sarah’s passing is, indeed, the end of a family era.

Growing up in southwestern Oklahoma, Sarah attended Kennedy Elementary and Boyd High Schools. She was shy, intelligent, creative and spiritual. She loved God and the church. Blessed with a beautiful voice, she and her sister, Esther, always sang duets and promised their father at an early age that they would only sing gospel songs. Sarah started singing gospel from the front porch of her home in Oklahoma to churches and community choirs throughout Oklahoma and the Bay area. Her

Sarah moved to San Francisco in the late 1950’s and worked tirelessly to build a successful life. She filled many roles in her life and excelled at them all. As Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grand and Great Grandmother and Aunt, her family was always the recipient of her love, patience, encouragement and correction. Her radiant smile was safe harbor.

Professing an early belief in Christ, she joined the Church of the Living God, C.W.F.F. in Frederick, Oklahoma where she was baptized into the Christian faith. In later years, she united with the San Francisco Christian Center under the leadership of Bishop Donald E. Green where she remained a faithful member until her passing under the current leadership of Rev. Roderick Gittens.

As an entrepreneur and professional cosmetologist, beauty consultant, master instructor and philanthropist, Sarah shared her talent, treasure and wisdom for over 50 years in the Bay area community. She connected with a diverse set of clients, friends and business associates. She loved humanity and her life reflected her desire to lift the hearts of women and be a force for good in this world. Her business, Ms. Sarah’s Creations, fueled The Women of Vision Foundation and its numerous philanthropic community endeavors.

In the early evening of Wednesday, March 4, 2020, Sarah finished her work. She laid all her burdens down, slipped on the robe of immortality and stepped into eternity. She leaves to mourn her passing a son, Dudley A. Burns IV of the home; Five grandchildren, Maisha Johnson ( Kai ) San Francisco, Akilah Hicks Murray (Stephen) of Houston, TX, Jomar Drake (Janelle) of San Francisco, Jasmine Drake of Sacramento, and Joe Drake, Jr. of San Francisco. In addition, she leaves five great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Catherine Crane of Richmond, CA and Barbara Crane, Hot Springs, ARK, a devoted niece, Brenda Lowe (Thomas) of Kansas City, MO, a second niece and seven nephews, with a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Sarah (Crane) Burns-Turner’s life honored God.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies”

Proverbs 31:10

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