Reba Coggin Turner

NASHVILLE – Reba Coggin Turner, 95 years old, departed from her earthly family, and went to be with Jesus and her heavenly family on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Born in Nash County, NC on September 18, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Neverson W. Coggin and Bessie B. Coggin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth “Jerome” Turner; and her siblings, Ebb Walker (Sybil), Garland Coggin (Ava), and Truxton Coggin. Reba graduated from Nashville High School in 1947. This 1947 graduating class was the first class at Nashville High School to complete 12 years. Reba graduated from Greenville Beauty School in Greenville, NC and worked with Roger Leonard’s Beauty Salon in Nashville for many years. She met her husband, Jerome Turner, while working in Nashville and they were married for 64 years. After raising her two daughters, she went back to work for the Nash Rocky Mount School system for 42 years as a cafeteria cashier. She always enjoyed getting to know the students who came through her lunch line. Reba was a member of the Nashville Baptist Church where she served in the Women’s Circle, and served as Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher. She enjoyed sewing and was an accomplished seamstress. She made prom dresses and coordinating outfits for her children and grandchildren. She won an award for her outfit in a sewing contest on the Bette Elliot show that aired on WRAL. Reba was known as Mema by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very involved in their lives and activities. Reba leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Carol Weston (Al) and Sandra Joyce (John); her grandchildren Ashley McGowen (Joe), Kenneth Weston (Brenna), Patterson and Samantha Joyce; her great-grandchildren, Aiden Pridgen, Quincy and Dorothy McGowen, Evren, Kennedy and Olivia Weston; her sisters-in-law, Marjorie Coggin, Jackie Taylor (Gary), Marie Turner along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A Funeral Service to celebrate Reba’s life will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 3:30 PM at Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856, with Rev. J. Kenneth Byrd, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Nashville Baptist Church. The family would like to say a special thanks to Pastor J. Kenneth Byrd, Jr. and Nashville Baptist Church; 3HC Home Health & Hospice nurse, Nikki Davenport and social worker, Brooke Tyson; caregivers, Angel Christopher, Kim Simeon, and her granddaughter, Samantha Joyce; and Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home for their love, care, and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Reba’s memory to Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington Street, Nashville, NC 27856 or American Legion Ladies Auxiliary c/o Judith Womack, Treasurer, 2003 Becton Court, Nashville, NC 27856-8834. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.