History in the Making and the Resilience of Carolyn Turner

Image courtesy of Cobb Courier

For our latest Black History in the Making feature, we are honored to highlight a neighbor whose life is a masterclass in stewardship and persistence: Carolyn Turner. 

As the Founder and Executive Director of the H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center, Carolyn has spent the last 17 years ensuring that no family in Mableton has to face hardship alone.

To understand the courage she brings to her work today, you have to go back to a rural farmhouse in Mississippi, where the foundations of her faith and service were first laid.

Lessons from the Farmhouse: A Legacy of Love

Carolyn was born and raised in Quitman, Clarke County, Mississippi. She was the 13th child of 18 brothers and sisters—a large, vibrant family that lived in a humble farmhouse community. While her upbringing was modest, her household was rich in the things that mattered most: discipline, hard work, and an unwavering love for God.

"It was a very humble upbringing but in a household of love," Carolyn reflects. "My parents taught us life principles and a motto I still live by today: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'"

That early training in "doing for others" became the fuel for a career in public service and advocacy that has now spanned more than four decades.

Inspired by the "Moses" of Her People

When asked who inspired her most, Carolyn points to one of the most courageous figures in American history: Harriet Tubman. "I admire her leadership and bravery in helping others escape to freedom, even though dangers and risks were involved," Carolyn says. "Her works helped me to overcome challenges and gave me the desire to serve people and have a lasting impact on lives today."

Just as Tubman guided others through the dark toward a better future, Carolyn has spent her 25 years in Mableton acting as a guide for neighbors navigating their own difficult seasons.

17 Years of HOPE in Mableton

Since founding the HOPE Family Resource Center, Carolyn has led the charge to provide food, clothing, shelter support, and educational resources to Mableton’s most vulnerable—including children, seniors, and the homeless. For Carolyn, this isn't just "charity"; it’s the active work of building a stronger, more unified community.

Her work is a testament to the idea that a city thrives only when its residents are uplifted together. Whether she is securing a meal for a hungry family or providing resources for a child’s education, her commitment is unwavering.

The Definition of Resilience

As we celebrate Black History Month, Carolyn sees the occasion as a tribute to one specific quality: Resilience. 

As a Black woman, I stand on the shoulders of those who endured slavery, segregation, and discrimination, and still chose faith, family, and excellence," she explains. "Women like Harriet Tubman remind me that courage often looks like persistence.

She carries a lesson from her mother that serves as her personal North Star: “The race is not given to the swift or to the strong, but the one who endures to the end.” To Carolyn, that endurance is the very definition of Black history.

A Vision for Mableton’s Next Chapter

Having called Mableton home for a quarter-century, Carolyn is deeply invested in our city’s transition. As a community advocate, her hope for our future is both practical and inclusive.

"I hope for continued positive and sustainable growth," Carolyn says. "As a new city, that includes improvements in infrastructure, economic development, and job opportunities. But just as important, I hope for a better sense of community, inclusivity, diversity, and efforts to preserve and protect our environment."

Support the Vision: The H.O.P.E. Family Resource Center continues to provide essential support to our neighbors. To learn more about their programs or to get involved, visit their website or reach out to Carolyn and her team at hopefamily2@gmail.com.