Olivia Turner, age 68, of Montgomery, died on April 6, 2023. Her parents predeceased her.
Olivia is survived by one cousin, Susan Saudek of Atlanta, Georgia, and by longtime friends Lucia Penland, Simon Bovinett, and Christine Freeman.
Olivia grew up in the Ridgecrest and Normandale areas of Montgomery and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1972. She attended Auburn University and AUM and worked at The Lighthouse, Inc. in Montgomery and Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) in Lee County.
In 1982 she moved to Germany to work for the University of Maryland.
In 1987, Olivia accepted the post of Executive Director of the ACLU in Alabama, a position she held for twenty-five years. During her tenure, the organization handled numerous landmark cases that led to improvements in the foster care system, recognition of free speech rights, LGBTQ rights, and education funding, among others. She was a fierce defender of reproductive freedom and the First Amendment.
After leaving the ACLU, Olivia worked as Community Program Coordinator for the Central Alabama Fair Housing Center from 2013 to 2019. Olivia's volunteer activities included international peace movements, numerous political campaigns, and dog rescue programs. Olivia loved her many pet dogs, all rescued from animal shelters over the years. She leaves behind her two dogs, Gracie and Bunny.
A memorial service will be held on June 24 at 2:00 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 432 S. Goldthwaite Street, in Montgomery.
Donations may be made in honor of Olivia to Alabama Arise, the ACLU, the Elmore County Humane Shelter, or the charity of your choice.
Posted online on May 18, 2023, and Published in Montgomery Advertiser.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
June 24, 2023, at 2:00 PM
The Sanctuary
432 S. Goldthwaite Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36101