Martha Graham Turner

Martha Anne (Graham) Turner, 85, of Alexandria, VA passed peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. She was predeceased by her husband James J. Turner; they were married for 63 years. Martha Anne is survived by her sons Richard Turner, John Turner (Terry), James Turner (Beverly), daughter Molly Walker (John), sister Katherine Turner (John), 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. Martha Anne was a devoted Christian, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to all.

Martha Ann was born in Madison, Virginia on November 30, 1930 to Richard and Polly (Rittenhouse) Graham. She and her sister Katherine and brother Richard grew up all around the country as their father was stationed throughout the USA as an Air Force chaplain. Martha Anne met her husband-to-be James in Puerto Rico on the way home from the Panama Canal zone with her parents. Shortly thereafter they were married and began their family. Martha Anne poured her life into her family and her church. Martha Anne was a Sunday school teacher throughout her adult life and went back to college in her forties to earn a Journalism degree. She was an accomplished seamstress and made clothes for herself and her daughter and costumes for her many grandchildren. She worked for many years at the Variety Store in Hollin Hall and was the buyer and manager for the fabric and sewing business. Her husband Jim had a dream to own a country store and, in 1980, Martha Anne became the proprietor of The Cracker Barrel in Lorton, VA for several years. She was very friendly and outgoing and got to know everyone in the area on a first-name basis. Martha Anne had a laugh that would light up a room.

Known as Mema to all her grandchildren, Martha Anne loved their visits to her home and could throw together a great meal on a moment’s notice for a houseful. Martha Anne thought every day needed an outing and she was always up for an adventure. No matter where she went, Martha Anne was always prepared for the unexpected with a good book and a snack. She loved to travel and she and Jim joined their family on vacations and camping trips to Europe, Florida, National Parks, and the beach. A devout Christian, Martha Anne lived out her saving faith and mentored many people in their faith walk. She has now gone to her eternal rest: “Well done my good and faithful servant.”