Nancy Turnage

Nancy Turnage was born is Hackensack, N.J. on May 30, 1933. She lived in Hillsdale, N.J. through high school. She graduated from Syracuse University and then taught school in Somers, NY and Fourlawn, N.J. She married and had 4 children: Christopher South, David South, Melanie McCrackin, and Megan Blanchard. Her career was in education, and she taught school for 20 years in Bessemer, AL.

When she retired, she worked in the Jefferson County jail, and helped the women with G.E.D skills. She also helped adults to read through the Baptist literacy program. In 2003, Nancy married Bob Turnage (1929-2018). They traveled the world together and made memories to last a lifetime. Bob and Nancy were both involved with square-dancing for years. At their home together, Bob loved to garden and work in the yard and Nancy would spend her time quilting and knitting.

Nancy was very involved with Briarwood Church. She loved her Sunday school class and Community Bible Study. Her passion was with the LOVE Ministry, an outreach group to Briarwood members who are no longer able to attend church services. Nancy would work with other members to deliver vases of flowers to those in senior living homes, nursing homes, and assisted living homes.

She spent her entire life serving others and The Lord. As an educator, she put her students first. As a mother, she put her children first. However, before all else, she put her faith and her love of The Lord first and foremost. She loved to love others, and did so in the way Christ taught us to love. Nancy’s life was full of service, love, and prayer.

Nancy passed away peacefully on November 30, 2020. Nancy leaves behind her four children, 11 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her sister Sally, and her nephew Stuart & his wife.

A celebration of life with be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church at 12:00pm on December 5th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Briarwood or Open Doors.