Deborah Turnage Banks

BANKS, Deborah Turnage, ("Dee Dee"), 59, of Carrollton, VA, passed unexpectedly on March 6, 2024. The family held a private memorial on March 30, 2024. Deb is survived by her husband, John Banks; her father, Bobby N. Turnage Sr; her sister, Kimberly A. Perryman (Jason); her brother, Bobby N. Turnage Jr (Beth); and a host of beloved family members, including aunts, an uncle, cousins, eight nephews, and one niece. She also leaves behind many dear friends - too numerous to count!

Deb attended James Madison University and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BA in Psychology.

Deb moved to Seattle WA in 1991 and lived there for ten years where she worked a myriad of jobs, primarily in roles that allowed her to serve and connect with other people. She truly embraced the mantra, "Variety is the spice of life!" She also met her husband while in Seattle. Deb and John were married on the Big Island in Hawaii on April 18, 2000.

Deb and John lived in Albuquerque, NM for a year where Deb taught Phys-Ed at Grant Middle School, and then they spent the next 22 years in the Hampton Roads area, eventually ending up in Carrollton, VA. Deb was a substitute teacher and was also an online scorer for multiple types of college entrance exams.

Dee Dee was an explorer who loved to travel. She enjoyed all aspects of traveling and especially meeting the local people and understanding their culture. She traveled to Europe in her 20s, visiting and making friends in many countries. She also traveled to Mexico, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, and Ireland.

Dee Dee loved books, words, and all forms of music. She especially loved baking treats and was famous for her chocolate chip cookies.

Dee Dee was brilliant, funny, and a heartfelt person, who received people and shined back in a way that was totally inclusive. She was always scanning the room to see who seemed left out, and then she would pay special attention to that person. Dee Dee was a light that made all of our lives richer. She will be missed by so many.

We love you, Dee Dee.