Wilma Gaye Turner, “Babe” 84, of Chester, VA departed this life to be with our heavenly father in the early morning of June 12, 2026, at home surrounded by family who loved her dearly. She was a loyal member of Chester Church of Christ and a professional mother and caregiver to many. Born December 18, 1941, in Tazewell, VA, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Robert R. “Bob” Turner, mother and father, Wallace “Buddy” and Margie “Lou” Sheppard, sisters, Betty Lou Aldridge and Birdie Jean Roberts, brothers-in-law, C.C. Brooks, Bill Aldridge, Pete Roberts, and Dwain Hall. And in addition to, Brett Jones, who was a special part of her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Stephen Turner and daughter-in-law E-Beth, daughter, Jeannie Castlebury and son-in-law Steve, grandchildren, Ashley Turner and husband Jason, Kathryn Turner, Matthew Turner and wife Jessica, great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Ava, Kabella, Myla, and Vallee, sisters, Sue Sluss (Larry), Rhonda Brooks, Glenna Williams (Roger), Tammy Hall, brother, Wallace “Bud” Sheppard (Kristen), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would also like to recognize Carl Jones and his children Brandan and Jessika whom Wilma considered a special part of her family.

Aside from her devotion to the Lord and her family, Wilma enjoyed time with her Sister Chicks, her group of lady-friends who shared many card games and laughs. Wilma was an avid Virginia Tech football fan. She also found enjoyment in shopping, and hours spent looking for a good deal at local yard sales. Her family and friends will fondly remember trips to the beach and greatly miss her exceptional cooking. A few of the family favorites were cabbage rolls, chicken and dumplings, biscuits and brown gravy and deviled eggs.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. A funeral service will be the following day, Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 W Hundred Road, Chester, Virginia 23831.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.