Nancy was born June 3, 1943, in Campbell County, Lynchburg, VA to the late Dr. John Mills Turner Jr. and Margaret Long Turner. She was married to Jimmy Davys Hemphill for over 58 years. She was a member of Granite Falls First Methodist Church.
Nancy was a graduate of E.C. Glass High School and graduate of Lynchburg College. She taught elementary education for over 20 years in Greensboro and with Caldwell County Schools. Throughout her career she had a genuine love of children and teaching. She was active in Communities in Schools, CCC&TI Foundation, I Have a Dream Scholarship and church activities.
If you knew her, you loved her. Nancy had a gift of making everyone’s day brighter through her kindness and generosity, mixed with a quick wit and glowing smile. She spent every day of her life spreading joy, finding ways to help others, and giving love and herself to family and friends. Nancy treated everyone as a friend and always left each person she encountered feeling special, appreciated, and usually left them laughing too. Those fortunate enough to have her as a teacher would surely say she was a favorite and she carried this love of teaching to her grandchildren. Friends of the family have said they never knew a mom could be so much fun until they met her. Her life is a testimony to how small acts of kindness can impact the world we live in and it is a much more beautiful world because of Nancy.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Jimmy, of the home; son, David Hemphill of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Amy Hemphill Hardison and husband, Jeremy of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren, Ivy Brooke Hardison and William Davis Hardison both of Wilmington, NC; brother, Dr. John M Turner III and wife, Frances of Farmville, VA.
A private family service will be held at Granite Falls First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to your favorite charity. Meaningful charities to the family are Amorem, Communities in Schools, Dream Scholarship through CCC&TI, Hudson Recreation & Hub Station and Granite Falls First Methodist Church.
Always a treat to chat with Nancy. Such a sweet soul. Prayers for the family.
Prayers to Jimmy ,Amy and David. There was always laughter when Nancy was around! She will be truly missed. Terrie Johnson
What a wonderful person Nancy was!
She was so very kind to everyone. I met her at Hudson Elementary where I taught her children.
She was so special and will be missed, but her smile and laughter and goodness will remain in our memories and hearts.
Jimmy, I will keep you and your family in my prayers-prayers for comfort, peace and strength.
“Peace be with you.”
absolutely stunned and saddened to hear this! my deepest condolences to all of you! We had met up at the reunion and talked about the Baton school time capsule that will be unveiled in 2040. i told her that i had donated the 1984 first grade class picture of us and that she was a part of it. She was happy about it but told me that more than likely she’d be gone by then. I am so glad of my memories and i will cherish them forever. i hope to be alive in 2040 and if so, i will tell the future people of Baton school about Mrs. Hemphill and of the wonderful legacy she has left all of us. again, sending prayers, love and deepest condolences to you all. proud to be her former student, ROY C YELTON
Amy & Family
I have so many good memories of your mom Amy. If Nancy was there you could count on there being laughter. She was a dear friend and I send love and prayers to all your family.
So sorry to hear this , we will keep you Jimmy and your family in our prayers . Wongalee & Alvin Yhomas
Nancy was a very Loving and kind person. She along with Jimmy, brought a lot of Joy and Laughter to my life. My Sincere sympathy and Prayers for this Loving family. God has certainly added another beautiful flower to the Masters Bouquet. Prayerfully Charity.
We are so sad to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was one of the funniest, lovely traveling companions we ever had. Our love and prayers to Jimmy and the children. Blessings.
Nancy was a dear. Always so welcoming and fun. Thank you Nancy for your friendship. Your husband and children–Jimmy-David-Amy–we loved them too. A great family. You will be missed. Gene Carpenter
Nancy was truly a southern lady full of charm and wit. She was very special to myself and my family. Prayers for Jimmy, Amy, David and their family. Rudy Snow
Such a great person! Sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort !
Nancy was a wonderful person that I was fortunate to meet. She was my neighbor and friend. She was a very kindhearted and caring person. I enjoyed our visits and will miss her so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and hope that you find comfort in her memory. Love, Donna