Vira Lee (McGee) Turnage

Vira Lee McGee Turnage, age 93 of Erwin, North Carolina, peacefully went to meet the Lord on January 7, 2021.  She was born on December 12, 1927, in Harnett County, to Vassie and Rosa Flowers McGee. Vira graduated in 1944 from Lillington High School where she was a member of the Beta Club. She was married for 71 years to Carl Woodrow Turnage. Vira retired from Burlington Industries where she worked for 12 years in the Weaving Dept.

For 75 years, Vira was a member of the Erwin Church of God, where she, Woodrow, and their 6 daughters were actively involved in the Music Ministries which included singing in the church choir and special groups, including her own family of singers. Vira also taught children and adult Sunday School Classes. She was a dedicated member of the Ladies Ministries, contacting the sick and shut-ins, making calls and sending greeting cards to keep them in touch with church activities and ministries.  Vira was voted Mother of the Year by the church congregation.  She and her husband, Woodrow, were honored as Senior Adult Couple of the Year for Eastern NC State Churches of God at their annual state convention in 1987.

Vira is preceded in death by her husband, Carl Woodrow Turnage; Parents, Vassie & Rosa Flowers McGee; Son-in-Law, John Grayson Ballard; Brothers, Roy McGee, Marvin McGee, Lynn McGee, Johnnie McGee; Sisters, Vada Gregory, Verdie Showman, Geraldine Mooney.

To honor her legacy, Vira leaves 6 daughters…Sylvia Ivey (Edward) of Tallahassee, FL, Joyce Ballard of Dunn, Laura Pope (Tommy) of Erwin, Dianna Avery (Ricky) of Erwin, Kathy Cutrell (Marc) of High Point, and Marie Puckett (Riley) of Archdale.

Vira’s legacy continues to extend to her 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren (number 6 due in May), and several nieces and nephews.

A life celebration officiated by sons-in-law Rev. Marc Cutrell, Rev. Ed Ivey, and Rev. Riley Puckett, is scheduled for Monday, January 11, 2021, with visitation from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the service at 2:00 pm at the Erwin Church of God, 109 West C Street, Erwin, NC 28339. Burial will follow at the Erwin Memorial Park.

For the health and safety of friends and family, masks and social distancing will be required for all attendees.

Condolences may be made at www.westanddunn.com

A Service of West & Dunn Funeral Home of Erwin, North Carolina

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