FRANKLIN—A birthday celebration was given for Mattie Holmes Turner on April 5 at the

Franklin Sportsman Association.

The celebration was given and attended by eight of Mattie and Elisha Turner’s nine children.

Elvin Turner, Mariah Fitchett, Patrick S. Turner Sr., Mattie T. McNeil, Beverly T. Hobbs, Ronald Turner, Winfred Turner and Rebecca T. Minor presented their mother with an “In Memory” plaque of Freddie Turner (1955-1980).

Also in attendance was Charlie Adams and family of Franklin;

her only surviving sister, Ola and husband, Thomas Jones of Emporia; her brother-in-law, Melvin Drew of Garysburg, N.C.; her minister, the Rev. Cary from Greater Shiloh Baptist Church and congregation.

She also had in attendance a host of in-laws, nieces & nephews from Maryland, New York, Virginia and North Carolina.

Other out-of-town family member, co-workers, neighbors and friends from Southampton County were there.

Turner resides in Branchville, and still drives the school bus in Southampton County after nearly 45 years.