Mattie (Holmes) Turner

“All my life YOU have been faithful. All my life YOU have been so, so good.

 With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

   Mattie Holmes Turner quietly entered eternal rest on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, while in the serenity of her home in Branchville, Virginia. The second youngest child of Eddie and Delilah Holmes, Mattie was born in Greensville County, Virginia  and educated within the county’s school system, including the Greensville County Training Center. Though she lovingly celebrated her birthday each year on April 7th, 1928, her official birth certificate records her birth as April 3rd, 1928.

     At a young age, Mattie accepted Christ and joined Shiloh Baptist Church on Clay Street in Emporia, where she remained a devoted and active member throughout her life. She faithfully served as a Deaconess until her health no longer allowed for regular attendance, and she generously devoted her time to various community organizations focused on benevolence and service.

     As a young woman attending a church meeting, Mattie met Daisy Drew, who was so taken with her that she later introduced Mattie to her son, Elisha. This introduction blossomed into a lifelong union, and Mattie and Elisha were married in June 1950. They made their home in Southampton County, Virginia, where they were blessed with nine children.

     Mattie was a loving homemaker and a passionate gardener, often sharing her fresh vegetables with family, neighbors, and community members who wished to purchase them. She began working as a substitute school bus driver, eventually earning her own route and faithfully transporting Southampton County students for 41 years, retiring at the remarkable age of 81.

    Even after retirement, her strong work ethic continued, and she assisted her grandson Shawn with his cleaning business as recently as age 96.

     In her later years, Mattie cherished spending extended time with her children, moving between their homes and enjoying the warmth of family. Though her steps slowed and her body weakened, her spirit remained vibrant, and she continued to reassure her loved ones with her familiar and comforting phrase, “Everything’s good!”

     Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Elisha P. Turner; two sons, Freddie E. Turner and Winfred B. Turner; her grandchildren, Erin and Farrah Fitchett; her parents; and all of her siblings. 

      She leaves to cherish her memory: three sons, Elvin (Joyceline) Turner of Pleasant Hill, North Carolina, and Patrick (Shirley) Turner and Ronald (Alice) Turner, both of Seaboard, North Carolina; four daughters, Mariah Fitchett, Mattie (Carl) McNeil, Beverly (Edward) Hobbs, and Rebecca (George) Minor, all of Virginia Beach, Virginia; along with a host of beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Thomas Jones of Emporia, Virginia and a sister-in-law, Annette Holmes of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Additionally, she is lovingly survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

     Mattie’s enduring legacy of love, strength, and faith will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Turner's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Management and Staff of Knox-High Mortuary, Inc. is privileged to provide

"Distinctive Services, With The Essence Of Excellence"

to the family of Mrs. Mattie Holmes Turner

 "Diligent in Business; Fervent in Spirit." - Romans: 12:11

**TO ENSURE DESIRED FLORAL SELECTIONS AND A TIMELY DELIVERY, 

 PLEASE PLACE ORDERS THE DAY PRIOR TO THE FIRST VIEWING OF DECEASED*

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mattie (Holmes) Turner, please visit our floral store.