Matthew Turnage

Matthew Turnage, the first-born son of seven siblings, was born to the late Idell & Lonie Turnage on November 22, 1933, in Halifax N.C.  He is preceded in death by his brothers, Odell and Garland Turnage, and sisters Frances Nicholson and Jane Ellen Turnage. 

Matthew Turnage received his early education in Halifax, NC.  He attended Inborden High School.  Matthew worked with his father & siblings in Eastern North Carolina’s sharecropping system. He left rural NC and relocated to Richmond VA with his family.  He worked with Union Bus Company in VA, then at Greater Richmond Transit Co. as a bus driver for several years.  He then worked for the Pilot Trucking Co. in Richmond and then Harrisburg where he retired.  He came out of retirement to work for Dauphin County as a driver to distribute food to facilities in Dauphin County as well as transport seniors and those with disabilities for 5 years until retiring in 2018. Matthew was looked up to by his siblings and was seen as an example to follow, often called “Peter” by his siblings and childhood friends.

Matthew loved bowling and football and loved his favorite team the ‘Ravens”. Matthew joined the Righteous Grove Baptist Church in Enfield, NC, at an early age.  After settling in Harrisburg, PA he joined the GZMB Church.  There he met and married his wife, Ivy Parker.  He was a faithful worker and remained doing so as long as he was able.  He served as a member of the Senior Usher Board along with his wife and became its president.  He served on the Male Usher Board, the Transportation Ministry, Custodial team, the Golden Years ministry and the Food Bank ministry.  He maintained the church buses, drove on Sundays, and was available to pick up members for church functions as needed.  

Matthew leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ivy, his children by the late Evora Turnage: Phyllis D. Turnage, Connie M. Turnage, Wayne M. Turnage (Carla), Melissa E.. Johnson (Larry), all of Richmond VA. His siblings, Milton Turnage (Cynthia), Richmond VA., Hubert Turnage, Enfield, NC, Wilma Moore, Tarboro, NC.  His grandchildren; Jordan Turnage, Richmond VA, Marcus W. Turnage (April) Charlotte, NC, Kimberly Turnage, Darrell Turnage, and Larry Johnson III all of Richmond VA.   Stepchildren, Waverly Parker( Jarrette ), and Linda Manigualt.  Step grandchildren, Brandon Parker ( Fayna), Chantala Manigault, Jomar Manigault and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.      

The service will also be shown via livestream at

https://www.youtube.com/live/LdiE_l2CbM8?feature=share