Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Nancy Turner Obituary
Nashville, TN
Nancy Elizabeth Greene Turner "Mimi", age 76, passed away October 31, 2015.
Born December 12, 1938. Preceded in death by her parents, John M Greene, Sr. and Alice Elizabeth Long Greene; sisters, Betty Ann Greene and Joy Greene Cooke.
A Nashville native, Nancy is survived by her husband of 56 years, J. Fred Turner; son, James F. Turner, Jr. (Barbara) of Nashville and daughter, Elizabeth T. Ables (David) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Brandon H. Turner of Jackson, WY, Zachary M. Turner (Samantha) of Nashville and Hailey A. Turner of Nashville, D. Turner Ables and Alexandra E. Ables, both of Atlanta; great-granddaughter, Riley G. Turner of Nashville; brother, John M. Greene (Sally) of Memphis; several nieces and nephews.
Nancy was a graduate of Hillsboro High School (Class of '56) & attended Peabody College. Nancy & J. Fred met when both worked for Third National Bank.
Early on, Nancy's insatiable smile and loving heart guided her passion for volunteering, including Fannie Battle Day Home, Santa's Helpers & the Tennessee State Prison.
Nancy & Fred were among the founding families of Franklin Road Academy; both of their children are Alumni.
Nancy began her role as Harding Academy's School Secretary in 1980. Far from being simply the receptionist, "Mrs. Turner" was an ambassador, a cheerleader & an inexhaustible volunteer hostess for all manner of Harding events. She was a loyal friend, a confidant & historian of the school's legacy.
"Mimi" was known as a fabulous cook. She and Fred opened their home and kitchen table for so many, especially her "adopted children" (you know who you are).
Nancy was quick to embrace those in her life with open arms and wise advice. Her hobbies included: Vanderbilt Athletics, sewing, gardening, & shopping (!). Above all, "Mimi's" passions included her family (especially her grandchildren and great-granddaughter), her friends, volunteering and her Harding Academy students & their families.
Nancy was a member of Woodmont Christian Church & Hillwood Country Club.
Dr. Clay Stauffer will perform a Memorial Service for Nancy Turner at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7th at Woodmont Christian Church; there will be a visitation preceding the service at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodmont Christian Church or Harding Academy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Turner
Christine Reed
November 7, 2015
I will miss sharing our passion for Vandy basketball and our many chats at the games about her family, Woodmont and work at Harding Academy. She beamed when talking about them! My deepest condolences to Fred and the entire family of whom she was so proud and loved so much.
Jane Settle Burns
November 7, 2015
I am so sorry. Nancy and I were great friends at Hillsboro. She and her husband introduced me to my husband Pat I am very sad even though we didn't see each other later in life I thought about her often. With love for the family.
November 6, 2015
Nancy was a special lady & friend, who showed God's love & smiles to everyone. MaryLynn
David Whitworth
November 6, 2015
For many of her students and the parents at Harding Academy, Mrs. Turner was not only an invaluable resource but also a great role model, friend and an integral part of the school family. She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
David (Alumni '01) & Eleanor Whitworth
We love you Mrs. Nancy!!!
Lowery Nickels
November 5, 2015
You will be miss Mrs. Nancy!
Kelly, Scott, McCall & Lowery Nickels
November 5, 2015
Words can not explain how much Mrs. Nancy will be miss. She was the heart and soul of Harding Academy. She was the first smile you saw as you walked in the door and the last smile you saw as you left the school. I will miss planning Grandparents Chocolate, Graduation and sharing our love of flowers and planting together. She was my "other mother", my own mom who lived in Memphis, often kidded about Mrs. Nancy and I being so much alike. Our prayers go out to you- Fred, Elizabeth, Rick and Barbara. And all those grandchildren I loved hearing Nancy brag about. My husband was so excited that Mrs. Nancy became his patient. He was honored and proud to be her dentist. Our family will truly miss her beautiful smile and cherish memories of her kind soul forever.
Melissa Winchel Nichols
November 5, 2015
Deepest sympathies. Ms. Turner was always there for anyone she came in contact with. Always a smile and a hug. Especially when you fall .02 of a point short. She was there to be a fill in mom and dry the tears. Rest in peace and peace be with the entire Turner family
Frank Turner
November 5, 2015
Dear Fred, Rick, Elizabeth, extended family, and friends,
Nancy is remembered fondly by this Turner family. We send our deepest condolences to all. She will be missed. Much love!! Frank, Denise, Jenna, and Peggy Turner
shannon braden
November 5, 2015
At Harding Academy, Nancy was the ever-present, smiling, laughing, phone-answering, newsletter-producing, boo-boo kissing, left-at-home lunch delivering, receptionist, secretary and gatekeeper. She assisted, advised, and, at times, admonished students (and parents, as needed). Through the years, countless students and families, teachers and staff - and a few headmasters - have come and gone while Nancy was Harding's constant.
It is difficult to imagine Harding Academy without Nancy Turner at the entry but I have no doubt: She has left the light on for us!
Michael and Bonnie Bird
November 4, 2015
You always knew you were in a room with Nancy because you could feel her warmpth and love. I loved seeing her during the holidays, my goodness how she could put on a feast! I will miss her with all my heart but I know she is forever with us. We love you Mrs T.
Linda Cato
November 4, 2015
Such a beautiful picture of our dear friend, Nancy. That smile greeted so many of us for so many years! I remember hanging out at her desk, and getting advice on everything from using the copy machine to raising my children! She will truly be missed by everyone who knew her.
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. You are in our prayers and our hearts!
November 4, 2015
Dear sweet Nancy. You were loving guardian over so many. Our family was so blessed to have been beneficiaries of your wonderful work. A life so well lived is not forgotten. Sincere thanks for loving us through the years. Your bright light shines upon us now and we are made better.
Much love-
Randy and Suzy Brock and Family
November 4, 2015
This was a perfect picture. I still remember seeing that smile every time I saw her. She was my friend and much more. I had a lot of good advice over the years on raising my children. She was not only warm, but a force to be reckoned with at
Harding! My entire family will always remember her.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Much love,
Linda Cato
Anna Pearce
November 4, 2015
My deepest sympathies to all of the Turner family. I've rarely met a more gracious, kind and loving soul. She will be deeply missed. Anna and Doug Pearce; Sara and Caitlin Wilson
Gail Childress
November 4, 2015
Nancy always made all of us feel welcome and loved. Her smiles and hugs will be greatly missed.
November 4, 2015
Dear Elizabeth, Raymond and I send you our hopeful thoughts upon the death of your mother. Mother's are so precious and when we lose them our lives change forever. We have shared some wonderful times with you and your family, especially at Christmas. We will keep you in our prayers. Fondly, Rick and Raymond Turnbull
Lori Traughber
November 3, 2015
My champion! My friend, confidant and great supporter. Nancy marked my life from the moment I met her...an instrumental part of raising Cory ...her family, each individually, is included in that mark... And oh the fun and goodness we have had and continue to have!!
Her energy is so huge it will never leave this earth! I love you great lady.
November 3, 2015
Nancy was a true friend to everyone who came in Harding Academy's front door from student to parent, with her warm smile and pleasant conversation she made everyone feel welcome. She was a great friend, and my family's thoughts and prayers go out to Fred and the entire Turner Family. Bill Wainwright (Nashville, TN)
Braden Bell
November 3, 2015
Nancy always had a big smile and open arms. I loved her dearly. Sending prayers and love to the family.
patti wright
November 3, 2015
I will miss my dear friend, she touched so many lives and made us each feel special and loved. Prayers and love to Fred, Elizabeth, Rick and all those wonderful grandchildren and great-grand that she loved so well.
November 3, 2015
Friends from Stokes to Hillsboro, Nancy you were my friend I'll miss you. Betty J Clary...
Betsy Smalley
November 3, 2015
We will miss this beautiful lady! Her infectious smile made everyone feel so special! I will always treasure our meetings at Chicos and her calls to check on her namesake (me) and the girls! To her family.. Thank you for sharing this dear lady with all the children, staff, and parents at Harding. We pray for your comfort during this difficult time. Love Betsy, Hugh, Katie and Mary Claire Smalley
Brian Siegel
November 3, 2015
When Sharon and I arrived at Harding, Nancy welcomed us with open arms and that great big smile. She was the rock of the school! She touched the lives of so many young people and her memory will live in them for a Long time.
Latricia Phillips
November 2, 2015
I am heartbroken and will miss my friend of many years. She loved her work and she loved her family and friends. The world is a dimmer place without her shining personality. We were so blessed to have known her.
November 2, 2015
Fred, Rick, Elizabeth and Family,
Sending you our love, prayers and deepest sympathy.
May God grant you the strength to endure this very sad time.
Jack and Gail Mitchell Germantown, Tn.
Amy Shealy
November 2, 2015
What an amazing woman! She was "Super Grandma" and cheerleader to not only her granddaughter, but to her granddaughter's gymnastics teammates! She traveled all over the country to support "her" girls - always with a huge smile on her face! A wonderful woman with a wonderful legacy. She will be missed. Love and prayers to the entire family.
November 2, 2015
A twinkle in her eyes, an infectious smile, a warm greeting, and a wonderful hug characterize Nancy. She was "special". Nancy loved people and touched the lives of many .Knowing Nancy was a privilege and a blessing. Ed and I will miss her and are keeping her family in our thoughts and our prayers. Hettie Stuart
Judi & Lydia Beachum
November 2, 2015
Our hearts are broken for Mrs. Nancy's family and for ourselves. We loved and admired her so. I can't even begin to fathom how much I am going to miss her. She was my friend, my surrogate mother, my advisor. I am forever grateful for having her in our lives and forever lost without her.
Chris, Catherine, Caroline, and Cathleen Vrettos
November 2, 2015
Mrs. Turner has blessed our lives in more ways than we can count. For multiple generations, she guided and loved our family as her own. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Mrs. Turner is missed more than words can express.
Alexa Carver Dorris
November 2, 2015
Praying for the family of Mrs. Turner. I always loved Mrs. Turner and the sweet talks that we shared from being a middle schooler at Harding to working in Pursuit during college. I am so sorry for the loss of such a precious individual who definitely made a strong impact on my life. Many hugs being sent to the family of Mrs. Turner.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Nancy Turner's name
Memorial Events
for Nancy Turner
Funeral services provided by:
Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home - Nashville201 25th Ave North, Nashville, TN 37203
How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Nancy Turner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
