Vera H. Payne Turpin

Vera H. Payne Turpin, 88, of Roanoke, Va., was mercifully called by God to eternal rest early Saturday morning, October 4, 2008, at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Salem, Va., following a long illness. She was born to the late James and Ethel Payne on August 10, 1920, in Roanoke, Va. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Turpin Jr., of Roanoke, Va.; and a sister, Ardila Payne. Mrs. Turpin retired from Roanoke City Schools in 1982 with over 20 years of service. She was loved by co-workers, parents and students. At an early age, she joined Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church and accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Her love of service to God and church was demonstrated in her participation as director of the junior choir, as well as being a soloist in the senior choir at Mt. Zion A.M.E. until her illness prevented her from attending church. Much later, after some recovery and regaining her strength, she began attending both Mt. Zion and Shiloh Baptist Church which made her very happy. Left to mourn her passing are her only son, Eric C. Turpin and daughter-in-law, Landier, of Atlanta, Ga.; grandson, Eric Jr. (Sacha), of Atlanta, Ga.; sisters, Catherine Simmons and Verneace Price, of Roanoke, Va.; brother, James C. Payne, of Rustburg, Va.; brother-in-law, Napoleon Turpin (Ramona), of Roanoke, Va.; sister-in-law, Pauline Butcher, of Roanoke, Va.; cousins, Charles (Anita) Price, of Roanoke, Va.; along with a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends and dedicated caregivers. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Lewis-Gale's nurses and doctors of the MIC and the fifth floor West Wing group. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2008, at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church with the Rev. Amy Ziglar officiating and assisted by the Rev. Adrian Dowell. The interment will be in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 9, 2008, at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.