Shirley Turner Van Landingham

Shirley Turner Van Landingham, 95, a lifelong member of the Petersburg Community, passed away on November 30, 2017. She was the daughter of the late James Moore and Susan (Susie) Robinson Turner and was also preceded in death by a brother, William P. Turner, and a nephew, John R. Turner. Shirley lost the love of her life, Johnnie Van, on December 4, 2014, after an amazing marriage of over 69 years. Shirley graduated from Petersburg High School in the Class of 1939 and went on to graduate from State Teacher’s College in Farmville, VA (Longwood University) in the Class of 1943. Shirley loved Petersburg and she spent most of her life working to save the many beautiful historic buildings and homes that exist today thanks to her efforts. Shirley was active in many organizations at the local and the state level, serving as President of the Junior Women’s Club of Petersburg, Board of Directors of the Petersburg YMCA, President of the Petersburg Garden Club, Chair of District I for Garden Club of Virginia, Lifetime Member and former President of the Historic Petersburg Foundation for three separate terms, Honorary Trustee and former President of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (now Preservation Virginia) for three separate terms, Chair of the first Nominating Committee for Preservation Alliance of Virginia, Chair of Petersburg Architectural Review Board for two separate terms, President of the Petersburg Symphony Orchestra Board. Shirley served on many other boards, advisory boards, committees, and commissions throughout her life. She also received many awards for her service to the many organizations she served. Shirley was also very proud to have been employed for many years as a substitute teacher in Petersburg Public Schools. Shirley was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for over 70 years. She is survived by three sons, John H. Van Landingham IV and wife, Martha Walters, James P. Van Landingham and wife, Winifred, Kevan E. Van Landingham and wife, Debara Tucci; seven grandchildren, John V, Cassady Walters, Susan, Frederick, Nathan, Julia and Alec; two nephews, James L. Turner and William C. Turner. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 9th at 11:00 AM followed by a reception in The Parish Hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 564, Petersburg, VA 23804, Historic Petersburg Foundation, PO Box 691, Petersburg, VA, 23804 or the Petersburg Home for Ladies Fellowship Fund, 311 S. Jefferson Street, Petersburg, VA, 23803. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .