Edith Turner

Edith Turner (June 17, 1921 – June 18, 2016) was an English-American anthropologist, poet, and post-secondary educator. Well known as the spouse of renowned anthropologist Victor Witter Turner ("Vic"; 1920–1983), "Edie" Turner was accomplished in her own right. In addition to collaborating with Victor on a number of earlier socio-cultural research projects concerning healing and ritual and "communitas", she continued to develop these topics following his death in 1983, especially "communitas". Edith Turner contributed meaningfully to the study of humanistic anthropology and was a dedicated social activist her entire life.

Edith Turner was born in Ely, England, on June 17, 1921, to Reverend Dr. George Brocklesby Davis and his wife Lucy Gertrude Davis (formerly Howard). She attended the Perse School for Girls, Cambridge, from 1933 to 1936 for her secondary education and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in 1938 from Alde House Domestic Science College. Edith completed her master's degree in 1980 through the University of Virginia and additionally studied at Cape Town University, Princeton University, and Smith College.

Edith met her husband Victor Turner during World War II, while working as a "land girl" (agricultural labourer) in the Women's Land Army. They were married on January 30, 1943, and had a total of five children together.