Earline Turnage Fenner

1 Peter 3:12 "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: During the early morning hours of Thursday, October 31, 2019, Earline Turnage Fenner said good-bye to this world. She gained her heavenly wings and transitioned to her new home in Heaven. She was born on August 28, 1930 in Halifax County, NC. Her parents are the late William Eddie and Elder Minnie Davis Turnage. Earline was educated in the Halifax County Public School System. She became the loving and devoted wife of the late Boss Fenner at the age of 17. They had four children, two of which preceded them in death. Earline and her family relocated to Richmond, Virginia in pursuit of a better life. Upon her arrival, she worked very hard in various jobs before gaining employment with the City of Richmond. She was hired as a tray girl at the Richmond Nursing Home, where she worked her way up through the ranks and retired from the same place as the Assistant Manager of Food Services after more than 25 years of employment. During those years, she returned to school and earned her GED. She also graduated from J. Sargent Reynolds Community College and studied at the Bible Institute (at ALCC). James 5:16b-18"...The effectual prayer of the righteous man availeth much...(Colossians 2:6-7)Like a tree whose roots are firmly planted in a solid rock...or like a building with a strong foundation,so was Earline's faith in God. She was saved, sanctified, and filled with God's Holy Spirit. Earline was a prayer warrior, and a "power-filled", virtuous woman. She was a soul winner for Christ and was not afraid to let you know it. She was one of the founding members of the Abundant Life Church of Christ in Richmond, VA, where she served faithfully as a deacon, choir member, member of the Mother's Ministry, leader of the Widows' Ministry, and in other ministries. Illness did not stop her from devoting her time to Christ at church, at home, on the train, or wherever she went. She loved to talk in person and on the phone. Some of her interest included shopping (thrifting and bargain hunting), traveling, and cooking. She truly loved people. Her devotion to her family and friends reached far beyond the City of Richmond and far beyond Virginia. She was a true FRIEND to ALL and saw something good in EVERYBODY. She was ever encouraging--a brave, bold, true soldier on the Lord's Battlefield. Her teachings and encouragement have helped many progress and grow into amazing people. Earline walked the walk and talked the talk. She was all about her Father's business. Her humble beginnings, major trials of life, or the wiles of the devil did not shake her faith. She was steadfast and unmovable, despite the numerous odds that confronted her. Earline was a gracious hostess and extended her generous hospitality to many. No one was ever unwelcomed in her home, or at her table. She delighted in elegance and perfection. She took pride in exhibiting her exquisite catering talents in her food presentations. She could take anything and make it look and taste really good. After her retirement, she embarked on a journey with her siblings and opened Ed's Cafe located on Hull Street in Richmond's South Side. They specialized in good, old-fashioned southern cooking and soul food. Some believed she had the "Midas Touch" because everything she touched turned into gold. Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, two children (Linda and 'Mick"), granddaughter (Waynette), and sisters and brothers (Dorothy White, Magaline Fields, Dennis, Melvin, William Louis, and Eddie Turnage, Jr.). Earline's legacy of courage, commitment, and dedication to making this world a better place will be remembered by many. She has been a bright light in dark times -- always hopeful no matter what the situation. She leaves with loving memories to cherish, two sons: Jerome and Wayne Fenner of Richmond, VA; daughter-in-law, Tanice Fenner of Midlothian, VA; son-in-law, Alfred Hicks, of Richmond, VA; and one adopted son Roy Skinner of Richmond, VA; 3 sisters, Viola Robinson, Minnie Winn, and Bessie Bragg, all of Richmond, VA; adopted brother, Fred Johnson of Delaware; 5 granddaughtes: Shantel Fenner (Cornelius), Sabrina Richardson (Talmadge), Michelle McDaniel (Chris), Alfreda Christian, all of Richmond, VA, and Vernice Gaston (Kendall) of McDonough, GA; 23 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren; a very special niece, Cynthia Peterson of Enfield, NC; a very devoted friend, Belinda Bonds of Delaware; Abundant Life Church of Christ and St. Paul Church Families; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Earline is FREE! She's singing in the heavenly choir and rejoicing in victory because she has overcome this world. She is soaring with eagle's wings because she waited patiently on The Lord. May we all continue to feel her in the wind beneath our wings.

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Earline Turnage Fenner

August 28, 1930 - October 31, 2019