Vera Thompson Turner

Vera Thompson Turner, previously of Charlottesville, Portsmouth, Ashland, and Suffolk, VA, passed away peacefully January 4, 2013. On June 15 she celebrated 100 years of a Christian life well lived.
Born in Riner, VA, a tiny town near Christiansburg, on June 15, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Abraham Wade and Clydia Dickerson Thompson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Sumpter Turner, III; her son, Thomas Sumpter Turner, IV; her son-in-law, William Douglas Madison; sisters: Lucy Wade, Nellie Estelle, Esther Irene, Edith Opal, Evia Wilmoth, and Daphne Mollie; and brothers: Marvin Herman, Captain Stillman, and Leslie Deward. Many of her ancestors were in all of our country's wars.
Survivors are her daughter, Vera Colin Simpson and son-in-law, Ronald Dale Simpson of Athens; grandchildren: William Kenneth Madison (Julie) of Bogart, Jennifer Madison Dixon (Rob) of Evans, John Douglas Madison (Danette) of Columbia, SC, Jeffrey Scott Turner (Angie) of Charlottesville, VA, Derek William Sandridge (Mary) of Crozet, VA, Amanda Stanley (Jason) of Radford, VA, Jennifer Simpson Johnston (Matt) of Bishop, and Timothy Dale Simpson (Dianne) of Watkinsville; 20 wonderful great grandchildren, who were dear to her heart, numerous nieces and nephews and their children. She also leaves behind many special friends in Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, and elsewhere in our country.
Mrs. Turner was educated in the public school system in Suffolk, VA, after which she was a millinery buyer for a fashionable shop there. She and her husband were married December 26, 1935, at which time she became a dedicated homemaker and later a perfect mother to two children.
A memorial service with Reverend Mark Harper officiating will be held Sunday, January 27, in Athens at Covenant Presbyterian Church beginning at one-thirty. Following the service, a reception will be held in the fellowship hall. A graveside service will be held in early spring at Holly Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville, VA, where her remains will be interred beside her husband.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East, Athens, is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please, consider making a donation to either the fourth floor IMCU or the pediatric floor of St. Mary's Hospital in Athens, GA.