Mazalene Yvonne (Mayes) 'Midge' Turner

The Life & Legacy

of

Mazalene Yvonne Mayes-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.”

Having gently expressed that she was weary and that her journey was nearing its close, Mazalene Yvonne Mayes-Turner, lovingly known to all as Midge, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 3:45 p.m. at Tyler’s Retreat at Iron Bridge Road in Chester, Virginia.

Midge was born on May 13, 1935, in Greensville County, Virginia, to the late Deacon Lee Roy Mayes and Deaconess Lucy Ann Cary Mayes. She received her education in the Greensville County school system and, at an early age, accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She became a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Emporia, Virginia, where she joyfully served and sang in the choir for many years. On September 25, 2010, she reaffirmed her faith through baptism and united with the Bread of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Emporia, Virginia.

One of Midge’s favorite hymns was “There Will Be Peace in the Valley for Me,” and throughout her life she often proclaimed her steadfast testimony: “I’m gonna put my faith and trust in God.”

As the eldest of thirteen children, Midge embraced her role as a nurturer early in life, helping her mother care for her younger siblings. She was blessed with many gifts — among them a love for music, storytelling, and laughter. Whether playing the piano or organ, sharing a humorous tale, or lighting up a room with her smile, she found joy in bringing happiness to others.

A talented gardener and landscaper, Midge cultivated both beauty and bounty, tending to vibrant flowers and bountiful vegetables with pride and care. She believed deeply in hard work, kindness, and the importance of being a good neighbor.

Her many talents extended to the kitchen and the sewing room. As a gifted seamstress, skilled caterer, and dedicated dietician, Midge delighted in preparing home-cooked meals — especially her renowned desserts and baked goods. She shared her culinary creations generously, ensuring that family, friends, and neighbors, particularly those who were sick or shut in, always felt her love through her cooking.

For over 27 years, Midge was a proud member of the American Legion. Her devotion to service was also reflected in her 30-year career as a dietician at Greensville Memorial Hospital, where she combined her passion for cooking with her heart for helping others. She later chose to retire to lovingly care for her beloved father during his illness — a testament to her selflessness and devotion to family.

Midge was preceded in death by her cherished husband, John (“Buddy”) Turner; her son, Elwood Mayes; her daughter, Veretta Ann Mayes-Taylor; her brother, Victor Lee Roy Mayes; and her sisters, Josephine Mayes Baumgardner, Lovette Mayes-Boone, and Eva Dora Mayes.

She leaves to celebrate her beautiful legacy: her son, Pastor Stanley Detroit Mayes (Patricia); three brothers, John Alfred Mayes, Reverend Sylvester Nelson Mayes (Minnie), and Fred E. Mayes (Deborah); five sisters, Cynthia L. Dorsey, Lee Vern Cain, Lynnette E. Mayes-Sykes, Juliaette Mayes, and Dorothenia Mayes-Moore; six grandchildren, Calisa Edwards, LeRoy Taylor, Jr., Aronda Mayes-Williams, LaTisha Taylor, LaTosha Taylor, and Cherrall Mayes-Brown; and three great-grandsons, Johari Edwards, Josiah Brown, and Ziare Williams.

Also cherishing her memory are her son-in-law, LeRoy Taylor, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends — along with three exceptionally devoted neighbors and friends whom she loved as her own: Pastor Elsie Edwards, Reverend Jerry Street and his wife Danna, and Beverly Hill.

Midge’s life was a reflection of faith, love, generosity, and service. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering trust in God will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew 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. Mazalene Mayes 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*

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