Fire is often deemed destructive and dangerous, few seem to focus on the fact that fire is a giving force that brings warmth and light.  Our illustrious Kezia Ayanna Wilson Turner was a fire who has given warmth and light from the moment God granted her spirit life. Kezia was born May 20th, 1987 to Muriel Turner and the late Regino Delano Wilson in Brooklyn, NY.

As a child, Kezia was always full of energy and spunk, a social butterfly with the ability to draw people.  While sometimes viewed as too much, her light shined brightly and was impossible to dull. Often seen carrying her bible bag and heading to church on the B15, she was fearless and determined. At an early age she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. On a beautiful summer evening in 1998, Kezia joined a group of her peers as they embarked on a lifelong walk with Our Lord via water Baptism. Kezia was an active member of Gethsemane Baptist church, where she was dedicated to learning through Sunday School, serving with the Junior and Senior Usher board, ministering with the Voices of Praise, MZH Ensemble, Dance Ministry and Praise & Worship. This expanded to the New York Missionary Baptist Association, The Congress of Christian Education as well as Eastern Region and the Progressive National Baptist Convention, where she served on the Mass Choir and the Ushers Ministry. During her membership at Wayside Baptist Church she served with the Youth and Young Adult Ministry as well as the Worship Team. Later transitioning to Faith Church of Harlem Kezia continued serving the youth as a part of Faith Kids. Kezia's love for education and service encompassed all aspects of her life.

Kezia's early education was through the New York City Board of Education. She attended Public School 59, Intermediate School 33 and Martin Luther King High School gaining lifelong friends Jennifer, Brittany and Tom. At MLK, she was involved in programs including SAVI and Peer mediation. It was through SAVI she retained her primary employment at Simpson and Thatcher Law Firm. Kezia furthered her education at The College of New Rochelle obtaining her Bachelors degree. A lifelong learner Kezia seeked to continue her education at Metropolitan College of New York gaining credits towards a Masters in Education.

Following her experience working for Simpson and Thatcher, Kezia moved on to a career of service working for Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout her career at Mount Sinai Kezia positively influenced all she served as well as her coworkers, always leading in love and never judging. As education and serving was always important, she easily transitioned into becoming an educator. Kezia's final act of service was becoming an ELA teacher for Achievement First Linden. It was here that she embraced her caretaking role, always loving and never judging.

In June 2011 Kezia's life changed for the greater with the birth of her first born child. Jonah, her son, her pride and joy allowing Kezia to step into the role she was always made for - MOM. As life would see fit Kezia's heart grew again in June 2015 as she welcomed her sugar and spice Kallie. As a Mom Kezia went leaps and bounds to ensure her children were always protected and well cared for.

Kezia was a friend to many, always mindful never to judge and to see the heart of the person. She was a fervent prayer warrior and worshiper, gifted with the ability to see beyond what the natural eye can perceive.

She was preceded in death by her father Regino Wilson, her Maternal Grandmother Elizabeth Long, Uncle Anthony Turner, and God Mother Belinda Shepard.

Kezia's legacy is left to live on through her Son Jonah Gillespie, Daughter Kallie Gillespie, Mother Muriel Turner. Her siblings Jacent (Lisa)Turner, Abel Wilson, Giovanni Wilson, Solomon Wilson and Richard Wilson Renee Wlson-___ and Lyddia Wilson; Her Nephews, Javon Jr, Giovanni Jr, Marcellus;  Her Nieces Gianna and Gabriella. Grandfather Leon Turner, Aunt Lillian (Michael)Turner-Bowman, Cousins Kezia and Candac, Tyesha, Rory, Gary, Ni-Kesha, Prince, Ky-keef, Melquan, & Anthony Jr., Godfather Horace Shepard, Godchildren Mekhi, Tyrone Jr. and Tarai, God Sisters Tonia, Malicia, Candace, Seanda, and  Teaira, loving Partner Carlton Jones, Sister/Friend Shatara Gatlin, Adopted Godmother Kathy Daniels, Achievement First Coworkers and Students, Sumner Houses, and a host of Cousins, extended family, friends and coworkers.