Mae Hamner Turner

Mae Hamner Turner was born in Glade Hill, Va., on June 25, 1921 to Richard Cleve and Licia Rosabelle Dillon Hamner.   On April 25, 2019, she passed from this life at almost 98 years young. Mae was first and foremost a life partner and loving wife of John Floyd Turner and a wonderful, devoted mother of her two children, Robert Walter Turner II and Elizabeth Ann Turner.   Her family and each of its members were the focus of her life, and she unselfishly loved and supported them.    

Mae grew up in Rocky Mount, Va.   In high school, she was an avid basketball player, and when she was a senior, her future life partner, John Turner, was working in the area, attended one of her games, and set his sights on winning her hand.     

In 1943, Mae graduated from the State Teachers College, now Radford University, where she was junior class president, a member and president of Sigma, Sigma, Sigma sorority, and a member of the May Court for several years. Upon her graduation, Mae and John married in July, 1943.   

In her professional career, Mae was a secondary school teacher for 37 years.   She taught at Virginia public schools in Portsmouth, Dante, North Tazewell, and Norton where she had the unusual opportunity to teach both of her children when each was in the fifth grade.   She also taught at Washington County, Va., schools Wallace Elementary and Abingdon Elementary, where she was a well-known second grade school teacher for 24 years, retiring in 1988.  She very much enjoyed later meeting children who had previously been in her classroom.     

Mae had a loving, happy, and resilient spirit.  She enjoyed people, especially children, and was kind to all.   She loved Abingdon, Va., where she resided for the past 56 years, and the Virginia Tech Hokies.  Mae was an accomplished knitter and seamstress.   She enjoyed cooking and gardening and was talented in decorating and drawing. She and her husband collected antiques, and she always created and maintained a beautiful home.   

She volunteered with the Highlands Festival and the Johnston Memorial Hospital Auxiliary; played bridge; and was a long-time member of Booklovers.  Mae was a member of Abingdon United Methodist Church since 1963. 

With courage and strength, Mae faced adversity in her life. She lost her father when she was 7 yrs. old and 4 years later, her only sibling and brother, Everett F. Hamner.  After long illnesses and a number of years caring for both, Mae lost her beloved son, Bobby, in 1967 when he was 14 years old, and her husband of 57 years, John, in 2001.  In 2003, Mae suffered a near-fatal stroke but fought back to recover and another 16 years.  

Mae will always be remembered for devotion to her family and for love of her husband and children.   

Mae is survived by her daughter Beth. She is also survived by a near-second daughter, close friend, and selfless, loyal caregiver Ann Hearl of Abingdon. 

Beth extends her heartfelt thanks to those who surrounded Mae with great love and outstanding care over the years.   For the past 14 years, Mae has lived at Preston Place Suites in Kingsport, Tenn., a facility managed with heart, as well as with the highest standards of care.   Beth thanks Alison Colobro, Jennifer Hess, and each individual member of the Preston Place staff.   

Beth also sends her deepest thanks to Ann Hearl and Justin Meade, along with Brenda Frazier, Pam Cotterman, Olivia Collier, Lisa Perry, Kim Baker, Jan Schneider, Jean Ketron, Rob McManus, and Heather Malone.  Beth also thanks Erika Weatherford, RN, and the staff at Amedysis Hospice. 

Mae’s life will be celebrated at a service and reception on Thursday, May 2 at 7PM at the Abingdon United Methodist Church, 115 E Main St Abingdon, VA 24210. Interment will be private with the Rev. Robert Countiss officiating. To celebrate and honor Mae, please consider offering to an act of kindness to others. If you wish to make a contribution in Mae’s memory, please consider Abingdon United Methodist Church (115 E Main St Abingdon, VA 24210) or the Johnston Memorial Hospital Auxiliary (16000 Johnston Memorial Drive, Abingdon, Virginia 24211).     

There is a specific request not to send flowers or food.  

Those wishing to express sympathy may send a card to Farris Funeral Service or sign the on-line guest register at www.farrisfuneralservice.com. 

Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700 is handling arrangements.