Deborah J. Turner

1951 - 2024

Deborah J. Turner

February 2, 1951 - November 18, 2024

Turner, Deborah J., 73 of Richmond, Va passed away on November 18, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Debbie was born in Bristol, Va., but lived in the Bristol, Tenn. area most of her life before the couple moved to Richmond in 1991 to a wonderful neighborhood where she quickly built lasting friendships. She is survived by her husband, Jerry for a marriage of 46 years. Also, she is survived by a niece, Missy Shaffer (Brent), sister-in-law, Rosa Beverly (Jim), cousins Jim Hurt (Patty), Jack Hurt (Donnie) and Candi Jones. She is preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Dorothy Jones, brother David Jones, and cousin Becky Brock. Growing up in the Bristol (Sullivan County) area she and her best friend Rita attended school together where they were high school cheerleaders. She then continued her education, graduating from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. majoring in Medical Technology. This led to a medical career where she formed and enjoyed many lab friendships. Upon moving to Richmond, she quickly became active in Epiphany Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild, was a communion assistant, usher and member of the Margaret Mitchell Ladies Circle. She volunteered at the Maymont Herb Garden and was a member of the Old Dominion Herb Society. With her church and volunteer work, plus house painting, yard and herb garden design, crafting and trip planning she liked to say, "When we moved to Richmond I failed to look for a job!" An active person, she ran, biked, hiked and most of all enjoyed a life of travel in their RV which began with a honeymoon trip to Yellowstone National Park, followed by years of memory filled adventures ending in a trip to a favorite park, Huntington Beach State Park, S.C. Often, they were accompanied by their doggie babies, Puppie and Baby. When they got involved with birding in 2004 a new and exciting hobby resulted in new friendships. Debbie had an ear for bird sounds and amazing bird identification memory. Many evenings were spent sitting at their home bay window, listening to music, enjoying a glass of wine and watching for birds coming to the backyard for food and water. Debbie's family is very appreciative of the care she received at St. Mary's, especially oncologist, Dr. Schaffer, her team and the St. Mary's Infusion Center nurses and staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church, American Cancer Association, Maymont, Old Dominion Herb Society, or the charity of your choice. The funeral service will be at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1400 Horsepen Rd., on Dec. 7th at 11:00 a.m., followed by a church reception to celebrate her life.