Mary Copland Turner, 92, passed away peacefully at her home on December 1st, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised on her family’s farm in Charles City County, Mary learned early the values of hard work, faith, and caring for the land–values she carried throughout her long and full life.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Judge Harvey “Rat” Turner; as well as her brothers, Albert, John and George Copland; and her sister, Jane Copland Upshur.
She is survived by her six children, Harold Turner, David Turner and his wife, Christine, James Turner, Robert Turner and his wife, Kenna, John Turner and his wife, Anita; and her daughter, Mary Divittorio and her husband, Victor. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, with two more great-grandchildren on the way. Each of whom brought her great pride and joy. Mary is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ridgely Copland.
A devoted community member, Mary was active for many years in the Garden Club of Virginia, where her love for plants and flowers was shared with friends who admired her green thumb. She was also an avid horsewoman who lovingly bred many foals over the years. Mary lived her faith deeply. She was a long-time member of St. John’s Episcopal church in Columbia VA, before moving to New Kent County in 2015 and rejoining her childhood church, Westover Episcopal, where she remained a faithful member.
Throughout her life, Mary maintained the habits she learned growing up on the farm. She tended a large garden well into her eighties, growing and canning vegetables to help feed her family. Her yard was always filled with a variety of flowers and shrubs, each nurtured with her careful hands and a keen eye.
Mary will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her devotion to family, and her lifelong love of nature. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family will receive friends 2- 4 PM Saturday December 20th at Vincent Funeral Home, Providence Forge VA. A graveside committal service will be held 2 PM Sunday December 21st in Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23238. A celebration of life service will be held 11 AM Monday December 22nd at Westover Episcopal Church, 6401 John Tyler Memorial Hwy, Charles City, VA 23030, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Westover Episcopal Church, the Wounded Warrior Project, or Tunnel to Towers.
