The wife of the late Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney, Mrs Lillian A. Romney, affectionately known as ‘Lily’, passed away on Saturday September 30, 2017 at a medical facility in Florida, USA after being ill for some time. She was 79 years of age.

The late educator Inez V. Turnbull, also known as ‘Aunt Inez’ or 'Teacher Inez', died on September 30, 2017 at Peebles Hospital in Road Town following a brief illness. She was 89 years of age.

‘A pillar, visionary & trailblazing entrepreneur’

The viewing and service for Mrs Romney took place at the Save The Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom, on the main island of Tortola.

Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser RA, in his tribute, described Mrs Romney as a pillar in the Third District.

“If anyone was to tell you that even over a decade after the passing of her husband, former Chief Minister C. B. Romney, that the Romney Empire skipped a single beat, they would most certainly be mistaken, because Lilly’s firm hands were in control. She personified the adage, “speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) described Mrs Romney as a visionary and trailblazing entrepreneur.

“In true BVIslander spirit, not only did she understand the value of small business to the growth of the economy, but she also understood the importance of diversified businesses.”

The body of Mrs Lillian A. Romney was laid to rest at the Romney Family Cemetery in West End, Tortola.

‘Educator, humanitarian & strict disciplinarian’

The viewing and service for Ms Turnbull took place at a packed Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church, on the main island of Tortola.

Among those who gave written tributes to Ms Turnbull were Deputy Governor Rosalie Adams, Premier Smith, Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (AL), Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4) and former US Virgin Islands Governor, Charles W. Turnbull, who said the Greater Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean have lost an iconic educator and a sterling public servant.

He added that Ms Turnbull’s unselfish service to humanity did not go unnoticed as Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her long years of devoted service bestowed upon her the prestigious and much coveted order, Member of the British Empire (MBE).

Premier Smith wrote in his tribute that Ms Turnbull was an educator with a love for people and children, and truly cared about their well-being. This he said was reflected in her work as a former Chief Education Officer and in her service to the community.

“As a former Head Teacher of the Cane Garden Bay School, now called the Ivan Dawson Primary School, Ms Turnbull was a firm disciplinarian who often shared and used her life experiences to help others become better individuals. This continued over the years as she opened her home to many young people and ensured that every child she encountered felt love.”

Mrs Inez V. Turnbull was laid to rest at the Road Town Methodist Cemetery.

See previous article published October 26, 2017

Romney & Turnbull; 2 daughters of the soil to be laid to rest on Saturday

- One a former First Lady & pioneer businesswoman, the other a Teacher, Principal & Chief Education Officer

Scores of family members, friends, former students and business associates are expected to be out this Saturday October 28, 2017 for the going home services for two prominent daughters of the Virgin Islands soil.

The two women who have made lasting contributions to the Greater Virgin Islands and have strong family ties in both the Virgin Islands and the Untied States Virgin Islands are that of former First Lady and pioneer businesswoman Mrs Lillian A. Romney and former Teacher, School Principal and Chief Education Officer Ms Inez V. Turnbull MBE.

Mrs Romney

The wife of late Chief Minister Cyril B. Romney, Virgin Islander Mrs Lillian A. Romney, affectionately known as ‘Lily’, passed away on Saturday September 30, 2017 at a medical facility in Florida, USA after being ill for some time.

She was 79 years of age, having been born on July 26, 1938.

The late Mrs Romney was known for her style, brilliance, elegance and sophistication. As a businessperson, she was a pioneer, being one of the first local women to own and run a business, Travel Plan Ltd., and was at the forefront of many of the businesses of the Romney Group of Companies- ROMASCO.

Lily Romney served with grace as the Territory’s Third First Lady from 1983 to 1986 and many who came in contact with her could not escape her inviting smile, wit and energy.

Service information

Her family has announced the going home service for Saturday October 28, 2017 at the New Life Baptist Church (in the Save the Seed Energy Centre).

Viewing is from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM and service begins at 11:00 AM.

Interment will follow at the Romney's Family Cemetery in Soper's Hole, West End, Tortola, VI.

Limited bus transportation will be available from 9:30 AM from the parking area adjacent to Pussers, Road Town to the Save the Seed Centre and after to the Cemetery in West End, according to a family spokeswoman.

Inez V. Turnbull

The late educator, affectionately known as ‘Aunt Inez’ or 'Teacher Inez', died on September 30, 2017 at Peebles Hospital in Road Town following a brief illness.

She was 89 years of age at the time of her passing, having been born on March 28, 1928.

The late Turnbull served the Virgin Islands' education system for many years, first as a school teacher, then after hard work climbed the ladder as Head Teacher, Education Officer and then the crowning of her career, as one of the Territory's Chief Education Officers.

After retirement she remained active in the Road Town Methodist Church, along with the Red Cross and other organisations.

Viewing & service

Aunt Inez will be buried on Saturday October 28, 2017. The viewing will be at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church on Tortola from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The service will start at 10:00 AM and the interment will follow at the Road Town Methodist Church Cemetary.