Ellen Glasgow White Turner was born November 8, 1946, in Mebane, NC to Stephen Alexander White V and Mary McPheters White, the younger sister of two brothers, Zan and Sam White. She went to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior on June 17, 2021 in her home with her husband of 54 years, Jimmy Turner, by her side.
Her father’s business, White Furniture Company, was the oldest family furniture company in the United States, supplying furniture to the renowned Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, as well as the Panama Canal, US government offices, and army barracks during the Depression.
Ellen always remembered her hometown of Mebane with great affection. She would fondly recount cheering on her brothers at their high school football games, enjoying North Carolina's distinctive tangy barbeque and Brunswick stew, and the deep friendships she always treasured.
In 1963, Ellen was a member of the first graduating class of Eastern High School in Mebane. She went on to Belhaven College in Jackson where she joyfully immersed herself in her love of literature. It was during this time that she met her future husband, James Turner, who at the time was serving as a minister at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.
After numerous moves Ellen and Jimmy settled in Oxford, MS, where they raised their three children, Elizabeth, David and Mary Katherine. Though Mississippi became her home, Ellen passed down to her children and grandchildren an enduring love for the Blue Ridge mountains of Montreat, NC, where she spent childhood summers and returned throughout her life.
Ellen imparted to her children the importance of family time and hospitality, bringing everyone together for Sunday lunches and ceremoniously serving even her legendary spaghetti on her finest china.
Ellen faithfully supported Jimmy’s long career of ministry work in Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), the Christian Medical and Dental Association and various churches. In this key role, Ellen was godly example to all and an unwavering source of kindness and support, offering hugs and a listening ear when needed.
Ellen is survived by her husband Jimmy, her brother Sam White (Peggy); her children Elizabeth Turner Tennyson (Bill), David Turner (Amy), Mary Katherine Turner Gorton (Carlton); and eight grandchildren, Mary Landis Gaston, Sarah Katherine Gaston, James Tennyson, Alex Turner, Thomas Turner, Anna Turner, Caleb Gorton and Olivia Grace Gorton.
The funeral will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Monday, June 21, 2021 at 11:30. Visitation is at 10:00 at the church. Graveside service is at Madison Heights Presbyterian Church. Parkway Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers the family asks to remember Ellen with donations made to Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) or Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).
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