Teresa Laverne Randolph Turner, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Newport News, VA on February 16, 2024. Born to Susie and Russell Randolph of Red House, VA, Teresa was a beacon of love and grace throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Joseph A. Turner, III.

On December 21, 1972, Teresa married the love of her life, Joseph (José) A. Turner, and from this union were born two children. Family meant everything to Teresa, and she spared no effort in ensuring her family’s well-being.

Teresa was a woman of extraordinary depth and profound curiosity. With a love for literature and insatiable thirst for knowledge, she was an avid reader and a talented writer. Most recently, she invested her free time recalling the history of her Randolph legacy, commemorating the contributions of her family to Charlotte County, Virginia’s history.

Teresa was a trailblazer. In the 60s, she stood amongst the first class to desegregate schools in Charlotte County, VA. In 1970, she further cemented her legacy by being among the first coed class at the University of Virginia. Teresa graduated from Hampton University and the University of Virginia. During undergrad she pledged and became a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She shared her knowledge and passion for education as a professor at Virginia Union University, St. Paul’s College, and Piedmont Virginia Community College before embarking on a fulfilling career with the Virginia Employment Commission, where she served as Director until her retirement. Her retirement years were filled with joyous travels to places across the United States, Europe, and the West Indies. Some of her most cherished moments were spent traveling to Hawaii, Italy, France, and Spain with her husband, daughter, son in-law, and granddaughters.

Family was the cornerstone of Teresa’s life. She poured her heart and soul into nurturing and caring for her loved ones, and her family’s love for her knew no bounds. Her granddaughters held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in sharing her love of culinary delights and exploring the world with them. Teresa was deeply committed to her ministry. In 1984, she embraced the teachings of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Her spirit of selflessness and generosity was evident as she served as the church pianist for over 30 years, Sabbath School teacher/superintendent, Vacation Bible School coordinator, Food Pantry participant and was most notably known for hosting wonderful Sabbath lunches for UVA and Heartland students. Even after relocating to Newport News, she remained steadfast in her service.

Beyond her remarkable achievements, Teresa will also be celebrated for her infectious enthusiasm for sports; she absolutely loved college basketball, especially March Madness, and she cheered tirelessly for her favorite professional football teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs! Teresa leaves behind her loving husband of 52 years, Joseph A. Turner, her daughter Jewel Walwyn (Kenric), her brother Russell Randolph (Robbin), nephew David, and her adoring granddaughters, Addison and Laila. She is also survived by her devoted in-laws Jonathan Turner, Gwendolyn Turner Parker (Roger), Corlis Anderson, Julia Andrews (Reggie), aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Teresa will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her warmth, her wisdom, and her unwavering love will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. We honor Teresa’s remarkable life and the indelible impact she had on all who knew her. She will forever remain in our hearts.

A memorial service was held for Teresa on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Zion Union Baptist Church. Arrangements by J.F. Bell Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family via the guestbook. (jfbellfuneralservices.com)