Elsie Meador Turner

Miss Elsie Meador Turner, age 104, went to join her Lord and Savior on September 15, 2012. She was born on April 17, 1908 in the Burnt Chimney community of Franklin County. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ben and Delia M. Turner; sister, Reva Turner Holland; and brother, William Frederick Turner. “Miss Elsie”, as she was fondly known by her students, taught school in Franklin County for 45 years. She graduated from the State Teachers College at Farmville (currently Longwood University) and began her teaching career in 1928 at the old Rocky Mount High School. In 1950, she moved into the newly constructed Franklin County High School and finally to the Franklin County Junior High School in 1964. During her career, Miss Elsie taught Physical Education, English, History, Penmanship, World Geography, and Social Studies, to name a few. She was also active in 4-H Clubs, Franklin County Teacher’s Association, Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Society for Women Educators, Rocky Mount Women’s Club, Franklin County Retired Teacher’s Association, Franklin County Extension Homemakers (currently Family & Community Education Clubs), and served on various other committees and boards. For many years, Franklin County shared a mobile library unit with Henry County, but Miss Elsie wanted the children of Franklin County to have a public library of their own. Through her dedication and hard work, one of her most outstanding achievements was realized with the opening of the new Franklin County Public Library, at the corner of East Court Street and Orchard Avenue. When Miss Elsie retired in 1973, she was honored with the unveiling of her portrait, which was hung in the library. Following her retirement, she traveled to various locations in the U.S. and overseas, but the majority of her spare time was spent gardening or caring for others in her family. She was a life-long member of Red Valley United Methodist Church. Aunt Elsie is survived by nieces, Diane T. Whitlow, Nancy T. Brown (Jim), and Clarke H. Smith (George); nephews, W. Everett Holland, Jr. and Ben T. Turner (Maureen). Also great-nieces, Wanda C. Whitlow, Malinda T. Paul (Matt), Catherine Smith, and Elizabeth M. Turner; great-nephews, James M. Turner and William M. Turner (Clara); and sister-in-law, Ruth P. Turner. Later in her life, she was blessed to acquire an extended family of wonderful caregivers who loved her, including Eve Milton, Rebecca Jamison, Victoria Melson, and Marie Beckner. Special thanks to her doctor and former student, Dr. Jack Bumgardner and the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice who were most helpful to Aunt Elsie and her family. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at Flora Funeral Chapel with Rev. Joshua King officiating. Interment will follow at the Turner Family Cemetery in Burnt Chimney. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Elsie Turner Scholarship Fund in care of Franklin County High School at 700 Tanyard Road, Rocky Mount VA 24151. Her family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center.