Alumni Letter Regarding Nancy Turner

11/4/2015

Katherine Miller

Dear Harding Family,

On Thursday, October 29, in the middle of the day, Nancy Turner was feeling poorly to the point that we called an ambulance to take her to St. Thomas Hospital. This was achieved quietly and calmly without the children being aware.

Nancy's condition was much worse than what we had known and it is with heartfelt sadness that I must inform you that at 3:30 AM on the morning of October 31, Nancy Turner, our beloved receptionist, passed away peacefully at St. Thomas Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Nancy served the Harding community for 35 years not only as a receptionist, but as an ambassador, a cheerleader, an inexhaustible volunteer hostess for all manner of Harding events, and as a friend, confidant, and historian of the school’s legacy. She always had a ready smile and warm welcoming manner to greet each and every visitor who walked in the front door of Harding Academy.

In honor of Nancy’s long career and the affection for her we will all hold dear, please join us in conveying the deepest of sympathy for the Turner family for a loss that is so great and sudden, that it is nearly incomprehensible.

The service will be on Saturday, November 7, at Woodmont Christian Church in Green Hills with the visitation at 10:00 AM and the service at 11:00.

Fred Turner also wishes to invite her Harding Academy family to the celebration of life party at Hillwood Country Club immediately following her service. “Happiness is required,” per Nancy's wishes.

Additionally, the school is collecting items in order to create a memory book for the Turner family. If you have memories or photos or even scanned pictures that children may have made to share, please scan and email them to alumni@hardingacademy.us and we will compile them for the Turner family. Please ensure the photos are in a JPEG or PDF format. The deadline for submission is this Friday, November 6, at 5 PM.

Also, we have decided to name the lobby/entry to the school in Nancy Turner’s honor. It seems the most appropriate way to memorialize her, and pay tribute to her extraordinary service to the school. It is the place where she spent countless hours warmly welcoming families, visitors, and friends to Harding Academy.

We all appreciate the multitude of kind messages and shared memories of Nancy from past parents and students, alums, and current families. It is truly the sign of a caring community.

Grateful to be in such a caring community,

Ian Craig

Head of School

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