Frances M. Turner

Frances Diggs Turner of Smithfield, VA, departed this life on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at her residence with her husband James, her great-grandson Trey, and her granddaughter and caregiver Jaleesa surrounding her with love. She was a life-long member of Little Zion Baptist Church in Smithfield, VA. She was known and loved by so many people and known to so many as mommy, grandma, mom, and auntie. If you knew her you had to love her. She had a special love for everybody, especially children. She would open her home to anybody's child. If you needed somewhere to live, you had a home at Frances' houseyoung and old. She was known for rearing a lot of children that were not her own. Frances held true to "spare the rod, spoil the child." One thing she did not do was spare the rod. When you came to her house you got the same treatment as her children. You got out of line; you got the rod. She was known for making you get your own switches, not one but two or more. Get a small one and you are going back outside to get another one. After she would beat you, she would say, "Now go home and tell your mother." Frances, you will truly be missed. She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Corine Wise Diggs, sister Odessa Cypress, brother Thomas L. Diggs, son Gregory L. Diggs, and grandson Lorenzo A. Diggs. Frances leaves to cherish her memory husband James Turner, children; Ivan Diggs of Newport News, VA, Ronnie Diggs of Zuni, VA, Paula Willis of Woodbridge, VA, Lisa Williams of Newport News, VA, and Alexander Turner of Suffolk, VA; siblings Catherine Finney of Smithfield, VA, Stella Finney of Portsmouth, VA, Doreatha Wellons of Smithfield, VA, Janice Johnson of Dendron, VA, and Calvin Diggs of Hampton, VA; two daughters-in-law Cynthia Diggs of Zuni, VA, and Saundra Diggs of Newport News, VA; one brother-in-law Russell Finney; four sisters-in-law Doreatha Turner of Newport News, VA, Lydia Weaver of Northern VA, Mildred Redman of Washington, DC, and Vanessa Diggs of Hampton, VA; thirteen grandchildren Dekeysha, Shalonda, Tanisha, Richard III, Derrell, Jaleesa, Miranda, Sauvora, Ivan Jr., Gregory Jr., Lamont, Jada, and Malik; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three additional children that she reared as her own Louise Wynn, Sherry Harris, and Rasha Harris; two godchildren Kimberly Bailey and Michael Robertson Jr., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Your smile and love for everyone will forever be missed. We were not ready for you to leave us, but God needed you more. You will forever be in our hearts and minds. Gone, but never forgotten. A Graveside Celebration will be held 11am Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at The Baptist Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will take place Monday, December 14, 2020 at Shivers Funeral Chapel from 4-6pm. Mrs. Turner is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Turner and Diggs family in your thoughts and prayers. View Memorial Images

Burial Date December 15, 2020

A Graveside Celebration will be held 11am Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at The Baptist Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will take place Monday, December 14, 2020 at Shivers Funeral Chapel from 4-6pm. Mrs. Turner is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Turner and Diggs family in your thoughts and prayers.