Author hopes sharing story helps others
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

PITCHING IN - Fourteen employees from American Steamship Company, located on Essjay Road in Williamsville, recently volunteered more than 100 hours over a two-day period to paint a house in Buffalo. The improvements made by the volunteers brought the house up to code, allowing the homeowner to continue to reside in it. The project was coordinated by the First Ward Community Center.

Lillian Owens Turner is not a writer. She is a survivor with a story.

She recently released a book sharing her story, which follows her life from childhood.

"I overcame great adversity, and I wanted to tell my story how it was through perseverance," Turner said.

"You Can Make the Devil Sit Down" follows Turner's life from 1930 to the present, from her family's home in Lackawanna to their move to Buffalo. She later moved to Williamsville.

Turner said her family was a prominent, black family, with both her parents finding success in the workforce. Her mother, Lucille Owens, was a well-known pianist, playing in venues throughout Western New York. She was also a highly sought-out piano and voice teacher.

But Turner said her family became the target of attacks - what she described as acts of jealousy - leading to difficult challenges for them. She was the main target of some attacks.

"So many people are afraid to come out and tell their stories," Turner said. "I hope to help someone by speaking out."

The 63-page book is described as a personal journey and testimony of the author's experiences from childhood and how she was able to overcome the devil.

This is Turner's first book, published by Brentwood Christian Press, based in Columbus, Ga. It is available at Borders, 2015 Walden Ave., Cheektowaga; Bender's Christian Supplies, 8550 Sheridan Drive; and Life Resources Christian Books and Gifts, 1551 Niagara Falls Blvd.

Two area churches are also carrying the book: the Bethesda World Harvest International Church and the True Bethel Baptist Church, both located in Buffalo.

Turner said she has been writing the book in pieces for the past five years. It was her first attempt at writing a book.

Growing up with strong family values, Turner uses her book to praise the power of faith and strength when challenged with struggles.

Turner lived in Williamsville and Amherst before moving back to Buffalo.