On January 2, 2024, Shirley Trainham Turner, wife of Glenn S. Turner, entered into the loving arms of her Savior surrounded by her family and her husband by her side.

Shirley Vernell Trainham was born on Feb 21, 1935, in Newport News, Va. As a teen, she met and later married Glenn S. Turner on New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 1954. They were married at Liberty Baptist Church and had 70 years together. Their union produced two sons, Michael W. Turner (Beth) and Barry G. Turner (Jane). She had six grandchildren, Stephen Turner (Rachel), Andrew Turner (Tabitha), Michelle Veitz (Jay), David Turner (Elizabeth), Katie Tracey (John) and Madison Turner. She also had thirteen great grandchildren, Elli Turner, Kinley Turner, Marina Turner, Maysen Veitz, Emma Veitz, Alex Veitz, Ashton Turner, Rylan Turner, Callen Turner, Alden Tracey, Callie Tracey, Hadlyn Tracey and Kai Tracey, who all lovingly called her Nana. She was very proud of her family and cherished their time together. Celebrating Christmas and birthdays together was a huge family tradition that she enjoyed.

Shirley spent her life loving and serving God. She was outspoken about her faith and her love for Jesus, in word and in deed. She taught Sunday school for many years in church and served in areas of hospitality and children's ministry.

Shirley had a deep love for her family. They were all extremely important to her. She wanted to be involved in their lives. She enjoyed deep conversations about life and their relationship with the Lord. It was important to her for her family to have a strong understanding of just how much God loved them. She faithfully prayed for her family and encouraged them in their faith.

Shirley loved books and she was an avid reader. She loved to read Christian fiction, with the setting based in the Amish country of PA. She loved to visit that part of the country as well, frequenting Amish farmer's markets, admiring furniture, quilts and crafts. She appreciated the quality of workmanship and unique designs. Her home held many of these treasures.

Shirley was an animated cheerleader when it came to sporting events. If her family members were playing, she was going to the game. She was an encourager and supported many fundraisers and raffles over the years. She carried a "brag" book of pictures to show her friends and family. She was extremely proud of all their accomplishments, as a Nana should be.

Shirley loved ALL things Christmas. It was by far her favorite holiday. She spent time choosing quality décor that would reflect her love for God. She decorated her home extravagantly for the holidays, inside and out. She displayed colored lights, white lights, twinkling lights, all kinds of lights. The more the merrier! She had great love for snowmen! They were everywhere, in every room. It was quite comical and she would laugh as well. Her excitement was contagious. She also loved to buy and give presents, lots of presents! Christmas at her house would take hours, due to the fact that we opened all those gifts one at a time, going around the room, youngest to the oldest. Some years we would go home exhausted but it provided her the greatest JOY. She LOVED to give. She didn't want to miss any present being opened.

Shirley loved beautiful things and her home reflected that. She had many collectables, beautiful china, antiques, dolls, figurines, lighted houses and books. She surrounded herself with things that brought her joy.

Shirley was the love of Glenn's life. He adored her!  And she adored him! They were the best of friends. It was hard to say Glenn without saying Shirley. It was impossible to say Nana without saying Pawpaw. They loved each other well, until death do us part. They took their vows to love and honor one another seriously and God blessed their marriage. Shirley will be missed by many, but none more than her husband.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Vallie Trainham, her sister, Marie Watkins, her brother, Marvin Trainham, and her great granddaughter, Callie Tracey. We know there was much rejoicing upon her entering heaven.

The family would like to thank Shirley's exceptional healthcare team for helping fulfill Shirley's wishes of residing with her husband until her end of life. Thank you to Dr. McCormick and Hampton Family Practice, Heartland Hospice Care and the wonderful care staff at the Harmony on the Peninsula. Your support for our family is greatly appreciated.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 4:00 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, immediately followed by a time of fellowship with the family, ending at 5:30 PM. A private graveside service will follow at a later date. Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandson.com.