Bernice Fielder Turbeville

Bernice Fielder TurbevilleTurbeville Bernice Fielder Turbeville was born on September 26, 1924 at home in Turbeville, South Carolina, the daughter of the late Bernice Turbeville Lyons and John J. Turbeville. She died in Sumter, South Carolina on April 2, 2010. She is survived by her brother John Harold Turbeville of New Rochelle, New York. Until she was 13 years old Bernice (also known as Turbie, B. T. and Bern to her friends) lived in Turbeville, where her mother taught school and her father ran a general store and farm, and from 1938 until the early 1940's she live in Lakeland, Florida. Forging her mother's signature and fibbing about her age, at 17 she enlisted first in the WAACs, then the Women's Marine Corps, serving in Washington, D. C. Corps Headquarters for the duration of WWII. In 1946 Bernice began a long career with the Central Intelligence Agency, serving the majority of her time in Washington, D. C.. She also had a posting in the Far East, and a long temporary tour of duty in the Middle East. She took college courses throughout her life for the fun of it, but earned a Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland at night while working. After retirement in 1984 she continued to reside in Chantilly, Virginia, where she was active in local politics, volunteered at church, traveled frequently every year to Florida and South Carolina, and took care of her home, other properties and the many cats and dogs that found a home with her throughout her life. She loved reading, classical music, opera, and a good conversation. Bernice was intelligent, articulate, always interesting and funny; she was proud of her South Carolina heritage, and loved her family and friends dearly. She in turn was loved by many - she will remain in their hearts forever. The family will receive friends and family in the church after the service. Funeral services will be held at 3 pm Saturday, April 10, 2010 at The Pine Grove United Methodist Church of Turbeville, with burial in the church cemetery, directed by FLOYD FUNERAL HOME, INC. of Olanta, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested to make a contribution to The Pine Grove United Methodist Church in Turbeville, South Carolina. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernice Fielder Turbeville please visit our Sympathy Store.