Nancy Turner

Nancy Fitzgerald Turner, 97, died peacefully at her home in Pelham, NC on June 19, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, James Witcher Turner (2007) and her son, Dudley Pierce Turner (2013). She is survived by her sons James Witcher Turner, Jr., MD (Evelyn) of Oakton, VA, and Michael Vincent Turner (Stacey) of Dedham, MA, along with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.       Born Nancy Shelton Fitzgerald on July 23, 1919 in Pelham to Benjamin and Elizabeth Fitzgerald, she was one of eight children and grew up in sight of Pelham United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Ruffin High School.      After their first 25 years of marriage, Nancy and Witcher moved north to Westfield, NJ. While there she developed a passion for art, becoming an accomplished painter as well as learning to play the piano. Upon Witcher’s retirement in 1984 they returned to Pelham, settling into the home across from the church. For many years she taught Sunday School classes and was active in bible study groups. In their retirement, Nancy and Witcher enjoyed many travels, both in the US and abroad, often sharing these trips with her family and friends. She made deep and lasting friendships wherever she lived and traveled, but Pelham was always “home.”       Nancy loved crossword puzzles, bridge and other card games, and was a voracious reader, often finishing a book in a single sitting. She was also a great (and knowledgeable!) sports fan, following not only her beloved Duke Blue Devils basketball team, but also baseball’s Washington Nationals, St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox. She was a marvelous cook, admired particularly for her exquisite rolls – often imitated, but never duplicated.       The family will receive friends on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 7:00 – 9:00PM at Townes Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 2:00PM at Pelham United Methodist Church, with Reverend Nathan Webb officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.      In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pelham United Methodist Church, 594 Red Marshall Rd., Pelham, NC 27311.