Mrs. Julia Christine Cash Turner DeShields

Julia Christine Cash Turner DeShields, lovingly known as “Mema”, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the age of 92. Her journey began in Granville County, NC on August 13, 1932, daughter of John William Cash and Julia Brent Overton Cash Joyner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Marion McKinley “Bill” Turner and Walter Milton DeShields; sons, Charles Edward Turner, David Wayne Turner, and Michael McKinley Turner; brothers, Julian, Wilbur and Claude Cash; and sister, Marie Emogene Cash Perry.

Julia is survived by her son, Lloyd Warren Turner (Rhonda) of Rocky Mount; daughters, Barbara Ann Turner Meyer (Mike) of Creedmoor and Julia Faye Turner Worrell (C.T.) of Rocky Mount and step daughters, Karen DeShields Gordon (Keith) and Deborah DeShields Logan (Carlus), all of Stafford, VA.

Julia was especially proud of and adored her grandchildren, Eddie Turner (Kim), Frankie Williams (Kevin), Matthew Turner (Megan), David Turner (Amy), Bryan Turner (Jessica), Marissa Turner, Amanda Meyer, Jon Meyer (Lacey), Renee Holloman (Kelly), Philip Williams (Amber), Kay Thompson (Brian), Justin Worrell, Holly Smith (Darnell), Warren Turner , Casey Holmes (Jon) , Erika Alcorn (Zack), Crystal Taylor, Catherine Kassay (Bill), Michael Turner, McKinley Turner, Sarah Turner, Andy LaVinus (Jessica), Kristel Gillies (Michael); forty-two great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Julia retired from Abbott Laboratories in Rocky Mount.  She was a longtime member of Faith Baptist Church, Pinetops where she volunteered as long as she was able preparing food, decorating, cleaning and helping any way she could. She especially enjoyed cooking, jigsaw puzzles, and children. A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Mema will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Melanie, Kalee and the Amedysis Hospice team for their special care and support when it was most needed.

A service will be held at 1:30pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Faith Baptist Church, 4590 Faith Baptist Church Road, Pinetops, NC 27864. Interment will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4544 Dortches Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 12:00pm. 

Floral arrangements are welcome or you may consider memorial donations to Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 620 Sea Island Road, Suite 324, St. Simons Island, GA 31522.