Robin Turner, a Statesboro resident, has channeled profound grief into hope with the release of her new book. The Unexpected Journey: A Hills and Valleys Testimony serves as a poignant tribute to her late husband, Napolean Phillips, whose life was tragically cut short in a traffic accident on March 1, 2014, just a month shy of their fifth wedding anniversary.
Turner is committed to honoring her husband's memory and inspiring others facing adversity with her newly published memoir.
The accident occurred on the Veterans Memorial Bypass at Cypress Lake Road, an intersection near their home that was infamous for frequent collisions. The junction, which had a flashing light at the time of the accident, had a traffic light installed in August of 2022. For years afterward, Turner found herself unable to drive past the site.
"It was crazy because there have been so many accidents right on the bypass at Cypress Lake," Turner shared. "We always hear about accidents with fatalities, but people don't know that was my husband."
The tragedy struck after a period of immense challenges for the couple, including Phillips' own serious health crisis. Just as they had finally identified the root cause of his illness and things were improving, their lives were irrevocably altered in a matter of minutes.
"I have written this book as a testament to our battles and what God has taught me through them," Turner says.
The idea of writing a book had been on Turner's heart for some time, but confronting the painful memories proved a significant hurdle. However, late in 2023, her pastor encouraged her, sensing a divine push to share her story. By late 2024, Turner felt an undeniable calling to write, not just to recount her experiences but to offer solace and encouragement to others facing difficult seasons.
"God has a way of doing certain things, and sometimes we have a certain perspective and think things are going to go one way, but it is planned differently," she reflected.
Turner's book delves into every facet of their relationship, from their first meeting to the devastating final moments, openly detailing the relentless series of challenges they endured. She hopes readers will be inspired by the hope within its pages.
During her deepest despair, Turner found solace and strength through journaling, which became an invaluable outlet for expressing her emotions. She also credits the unwavering support of her family, pastors, and church community for a large part of her recovery. The encouragement from loved ones to simply "put some clothes on" or "do your hair"—small acts of normalcy—made a significant difference in her ability to navigate the profound grief.
Inspired by her own struggle to find local resources, Turner is now driven to establish a grief support group in Statesboro. She believes that no one should have to navigate such difficult experiences alone and hopes to connect with others who share a similar vision for community support.
"When we're depressed, we want to shut down because nobody can make us feel better," Turner explained. "But having that support system to encourage you to do the things you normally do is crucial, because without it, you'll sink deeper."
Turner's book launch, held at the Divine Deliverance Worship Center, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, allowed light to shine again on the courageous widow and mother. The event took place in the fellowship hall, which is named after her late husband, bringing her journey full circle. Attendees had the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book, hear Turner read an excerpt, and share in memories of her husband.
For Turner, the ultimate goal is for her husband's passing to have a lasting impact.
"I don't want what happened to him to be without cause," she shared. "I want to be able to make a difference in other people's lives."
Her memoir, available on Amazon, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of continually choosing hope amidst heartache. Turner’s courageous decision to share her most vulnerable moments serves as an inspiring reminder that even after experiencing the worst, it is possible to find strength, healing, and a renewed purpose.