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Vivian Turner Obituary
SPARTANBURG, SC-- Vivian "Missy" Rowland Turner, age 40, wife of Todd R. Turner, departed this life Sunday evening, December 16, 2007.
Missy was born in Spartanburg on June 24, 1967, the daughter of Carole Vann Davis and the late James "Jim" D. Rowland. Missy attended Spartanburg Day School and graduated from Spartanburg High School, the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee, and Converse College with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. During high school, she was active in Episcopal church affairs, and attended St. Christopher's Episcopal Church where she served on the vestry as a youth representative, on Bishop's Council, and as state president of the Episcopal Youth Council. Missy was also an active volunteer at Spartanburg Day School, a member of the Junior League of Spartanburg, and a member of The Episcopal Church of the Advent.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by her daughter, Caroline Davis Turner and a son, Clay Rollins Turner; two brothers, James E. Rowland of Spartanburg and David W. Rowland of Asheville, NC; stepfather, Dr. W. Mac Davis, stepsister, Lucia B. Davis; stepbrother, Dr. Kirkland W. Davis and wife Jenni Murray Davis; father and mother-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Clay H. Turner; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Senator and Mrs. Lewis Rowland of Walhalla and Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Vann of Spartanburg, and two uncles, Joe and Tommy Vann.
A Celebration of Missy's life will be conducted today, Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 10:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of the Advent with The Reverend Michael Lumpkin and The Reverend P. William Greeley presiding. Interment will follow in University Cemetery, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in remembrance of Missy may be given to the Bearden-Josey Breast Health Center, 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303 or to Gibbs Cancer Center, 101 East Wood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.jmdunbar.com.
Dunbar Funeral Home
And Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vivian Turner
Mikey O'Neal
January 16, 2008
Dear Todd, Caroline and Rollins and family- I knew Missy in Ft. Lauderdale and we spoke at length about breast cancer-my mom passed of it right before Missy was diagnosed...We spoke about the children and kept in touch as she was doing well...I just learned of her struggles and passing and am so sorry to hear about your loss. We have sinced moved to Beech Mtn.,N.C. and had just received your beautiful Christmas card...WE will keep you in our daily prayers for peace and strength. She is a beautiful woman,mother and a friend. I am blessed to have known her-Mikey O'Neal
Browning Frazier Koehler
January 4, 2008
Todd, I just read about your loss in the St John's newsletter. I remember you so fondly from PH and although I didn't know Missy, I am sure she was a fabulous girl! As a mother, my heart goes out to your children. I pray that Jesus takes them into his arms and comforts them now & as the years go by. I echo another friend's message when I say that all of the guidance and support people have received from your parents will be showered back upon you and your family. I pray that you and the kids can find love, support & nurturing fulfillment through your other friends and family members.
Frankie Deal
January 4, 2008
Dear Carole, I am so sorry about Missy. I remember the beautiful, sweet little girl and know from all reports that she grew up to be a beautiful, sweet young woman. How sad that she was taken so soon. May God's peace comfort you and all of her family in the days to come.
Travis Holland
January 1, 2008
Todd, My husband and I had dinner with our wonderful friends, Jenny-Ellen and Reed Russell, last night and learned about Missy's passing. I haven't seen you in years but will always remember you and your family from Crystal Spring and St. John's in Roanoke. Please know how much you and your family are in our prayers.
Travis Shackelford Holland
Jennifer Kelley Mcinnis
December 27, 2007
The news of Missy's death has made such an impact on me. I met Missy at the Day School when we first started school. I have many fond memories of preschool through high school. It' hard to imagine that Missy is no longer sharing her physical beauty and love with those of us here on Earth.She fought a long and painful fight and I know now she no longer suffers.
Parker York
December 23, 2007
To Jamie and your whole family,
We did not have the pleasure of knowing Missy, but we know from all we have heard what an amazing woman she was. What a strong and courageous person and what an inspiration to all of us, even those of us who did not know her.
We are so sorry for your family's loss. We know Missy's spirit will live on in your hearts forever. May God's peace comfort and surround each of you. You will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Our love and deepest condolences,
Parker, George, Smedes & Bowen York in Raleigh, NC
Cindy Howard Corley
December 21, 2007
Todd,
Karen Finch has kept me updated on you guys over the years. I am so sorry for your family loss. I got word of the Prayer Service so the girls (We have twins that will be 4 in January) and I prayed for Missy at 12:15 p.m. and they have prayed for her and your family ever since. Now they are praying that Missy is feeling great and having fun with Jesus. In the car the other day they were talking to Missy and Jesus. They said that Missy was now in their heart just like Jesus. Jaxson (our 2 1/2 year old) will throw something in every now and then.
Todd, my heart just hurts for you and your family. Please, call on us if and when you are ever in Columbia.
Cindy Howard Corley
Punky Dod
December 20, 2007
My dear Carole,
Ruth sent word to me of Missy's death. I am so very sorry. Please send my best to all of the family. This has prompted reflection on all the wonderful times we had when the kids were young and I cherish them. I'm sorry you have to experience this loss.
May God's peace be with you and your family,
Punky
Jill and Scott Jacobs
December 20, 2007
Our heartfelt condolences to Todd, who so selflessly gave care and comfort; to Caroline and Rollins, who your mom spoke about with pride and love; and to all family and friends who had to painfully bid farewell to Missy. She has been released from earthly time, but she will exist in your hearts. May her memory be for a blessing.
Deborah Black
December 20, 2007
Dear Todd, Caroline, and Rollins: Please know that I am thinking of you during this time. My thoughts and prayers will continue to lift you and your family in the coming days and weeks ahead. Sincerely,
David Carroll
December 19, 2007
Dear Carole and Jim:
I was very saddened to hear the news about Missy. We were friends as teenagers and I remember her great spirit and wonderful smile. God Bless You.
Carolyn Holcombe Mittag
December 19, 2007
Dear Carole and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter Missy. I did not know her but I am sure she was a kind and gentle lady like her mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. May God Bless all of you. Your friend Carolyn Holcombe Mittag
Elizabeth McKay Moosbrugger
December 19, 2007
Dear Todd, Caroline and Rollins, I hope the gatherings in Spartanburg and Sewanee brought you comfort and joy in this sad time. Missy was an amazing woman with so much love and courage on every step of her journey. Her loving spirit was infectious. May you feel held up by all of the love and prayers as you grieve the loss and celebrate her life. Much love,
The Baehr Family Baehr
December 19, 2007
Dear Caroline and Rollins, I had a great time spending time with your mom at all our Horse-shows and other stuff. Just wanted to let you know she was a wonderful person and everyone will miss her!
Nancy Smith
December 19, 2007
Carole,
You are in my prayers. I am so sorry and I love you.
Nancy Smith
Tali Jackson
December 19, 2007
Dear Todd,
I wish I could be with you on the Mountain to celebrate Missy's life. I admired so many things about her. With all my heart, I wish peace to you and your family at this time. Missy's vibrant self will be terribly missed by so many. With love, Tali
Barbara Rush Jones
December 19, 2007
When I think of some of the happiest times in my life, Missy was right in the middle of them. Though we separated over the years, she always held a very special place in my heart. Your family is in my prayers!
Craig and Janet Marshall
December 19, 2007
Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the Rowland and Turner families.
Rondal Richardson
December 18, 2007
Todd-
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Missy was so special to so many of us. She will be lovingly missed, but I am honored and humbled to have known her.
Rondal
Susannah Shahan Hart
December 18, 2007
I will forever remember Missy and the wonderful times we spent together as youth members of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Laur Trabue Wissert
December 18, 2007
Todd, Missy was as beautiful on the inside as the outside. Our Sewanee girls weekends will never be the same without her smile, laughter & crazy ways. I have so many fabulous memories that make me laugh aloud. I feel blessed to have known her. I know she will still be with us every January when we raise a toast in her honor. Thank you for sharing her with us. We loved her. Laura Trabue Wissert, Sewanee '90
Kathy Touchstone
December 18, 2007
Todd, Our hearts and prayers are with you and precious Caroline & Rollins. We wish we could be with you in Sewanee tomorrow. Thank you for the blessing of being there together in June. Love, hugs and prayers, Kathy & Neill Touchstone
Nancy Ruth Patterson
December 18, 2007
May the comfort Todd's father and mother have given to countless others now find its way back to all the Turners. My prayers are with you all.
Lainy and Lee Wilhelm
December 18, 2007
To Todd and family, We want to express our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you for the loss of Missy. We are heartbroken and continue to have you in our prayers. With love and warm affection, Lainy and Lee Wilhelm, Roanoke, Va.
Donna Lawhon Trapp
December 18, 2007
There are so many of us who served with her at Camp Gravatt who will miss her.
jim carroll
December 18, 2007
Todd, i past your old home here in ft lauderdale almost everyday, each time pausing , thinking of all the great times we all had with Missy here. We miss you all and will miss her more than i can express. Come visit your friends in south florida soon.
Anne K. Hardy
December 18, 2007
Missy and I served together through the Junior League of Spartanburg. I will miss her smiling face and her laughter.
Bob Greer
December 18, 2007
Carole,
The word sympathy doesn't express my deep feelings for your loss. I have prayed for Missy and I will continue to pray for you and your family. Sincerely, Bob Greer
Iris Ezell
December 18, 2007
Dear Carole,
I was devasted and my heart just broken when I read of Missy's death. I fondly remember her as such a special little girl.
All of you will be in my prayers
I pray that our loving God will fill that empty place in your hearts and as the days go by and healing takes place that you will be filled with beautiful and happy memories of days gone by.
My love and sympathy are with all of you.
Iris ( Cox) Ezell
PS Tell Jamie I thought he was special ,too.
Heather & Jim Carroll
December 18, 2007
Todd, Caroline & Rollins -
We are so sad for your loss. We are honored to have known Missy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family in these tough days ahead.
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