Marjorie Sykes Turnbull

1930 - 2025

Marjorie Sykes Turnbull

September 1, 1930 - October 30, 2025

Marjorie Sykes Turnbull (Margie) died bravely and peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born in Norfolk, VA, the only daughter of Blanche and William Sykes. She attended Norfolk public schools and graduated from Mary Baldwin College. After college, she taught school in VA Beach and Richmond (Dumbarton). In 1962, she married the love of her life, Lennox B. Turnbull. They had two children, Lennox (Birck) and Elizabeth (Beth). Margie had many fulfilling years as wife and mother until her husband's death in 1986. She was immensely grateful for her marriage to Lennox. She lived 48 years on Willway Ave. with neighbors as lifelong friends, nine years at Locke Lane Apartments, and eight years at Westminster Canterbury, where she bonded with her caregivers and received compassionate care. Margie loved and admired her children and found much joy in her grandchildren. She felt incredibly blessed to have had a 70+ year friendship with her college roommates, Betsy Booth (died 2025) and Ann Holden. Margie headed the tour department at Agecroft Hall, was a member of the Tuckahoe Women's Club, and volunteered regularly at the VMFA. She was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church (joined in 1966), where she served as a Sunday school teacher and Elder, among other roles. She was at peace by the saltwater and relished time at VA Beach and Deltaville, VA.

Margie is survived by Birck and his wife, Christie, who live in Richmond; Beth Cummings, who lives in Asheville, NC; and five grandchildren, Kate and Sarah Turnbull and Ashby, Jamie and Lennox Cummings.

A memorial service will be held at the Westminster Canterbury Spiritual Center on Friday, November 28th, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Union Theological Seminary, or the Westminster Canterbury Foundation.