Hometown Histories:

Astorie Turner Acty

Astorie Turner Acty was born on January 9, 1935, to the late William and Viola Cousins Turner
in Achsah, Madison County, Virginia. She was the fifth of 13 children in the Turner
family, a household filled with love, music, and faith. As dedicated members of Oak Grove
Baptist Church in Oak Park, the Turners were a cornerstone of their congregation. Viola, a
talented pianist, and William, a respected deacon, raised their children in a home where music
and ministry went hand in hand—so much so that their large family almost formed a readymade church choir.

Astorie remembers that at Christmas, her mother would go into the woods to gather running cedar and seed from the sycamore tree to carefully make their Christmas wreaths. Beet juice was used to dye the sycamore seeds before placing them on the wreath. She recalls being 10 years old when she visited the town of Orange for the first time. The local general store and post office were Mary Marshall’s in Achsah and Lacy’s in Oak Park.

Astorie grew up in a large family in Achsah, Madison County.

Education, A Lifelong Friendship, and a Special Introduction

Astorie received her early education at Strother School in Achsah and later attended
Radiant School. She played basketball at George Washington Carver Regional High School, where she graduated in 1953. During her time at Carver, she formed a lifelong friendship with Audrey Acty , a bond that remained strong throughout their lives. A plus to their friendship was the introduction of Audrey’s brother, Robert, who later became Astorie’s husband.

Life in Washington D.C.

In 1954, Astorie married Robert Stevenson Acty of Madison. Their wedding was a beautiful
ceremony held at her parents’ home, surrounded by family and friends. Shortly after, the couple
moved to Washington, D.C., where they began their life together.

Astorie attended the University of the District of Columbia, then transferred to Prince George’s Community College to receive her degree in Early Childhood Education. Robert Sr., a veteran, began his own business, the Acty’s Auto Clinic: a very successful auto repair shop that was passed on to their son, Robert III, and continues to operate today.

In 1982, Astorie founded the First Rock Baptist Church Day Care Center in Southeast Washington, D.C. As director, she oversaw the care and development of 60 children, nurturing them with the same warmth and dedication she gave her own family.

Together, Astorie and Robert had six children: Audria, Patricia, Pamela, Robyn, Robert Stevenson, III, and Mark. Astorie beams with pride when she speaks of her children and her 14 grandchildren. She can go on a delightful “tare” recounting their accomplishments, and her love for them is evident in every word.

Return to Madison

In 2001, Robert retired from Acty’s Auto Clinic, and the couple returned to Madison to build
their retirement home in Radiant. Astorie, ever the outdoor enthusiast, spent her days tending
to her garden and enjoying yard work. They rejoined Astorie’s beloved Oak Park Baptist Church,
where she serves as Mother of the Church and deaconess. They also became members of
Robert’s church, Locust Grove Baptist Church.

Astorie and Robert shared 54 years of marriage before Robert’s passing in 2008. Today, Astorie’s
daughter, Dr. Audria Thomas, a pediatrician, lives with her in Radiant. At age 90, Astorie is nothing short of amazing. To be in her presence is truly a breath of fresh air—her spirit, strength, energy, and grace continue to inspire everyone who knows her.

Astorie graduated from George Washington Carver Regional High School in 1953.

Audrey Acty was a lifelong friend and sister-in-law. Astorie married her brother Robert.

As a little girl, Astorie often visited Lacy’s Store in Oak Park.

Astorie and Robert, both of Madison County, were married in 1954 and were blessed to have six children and 14 grandchildren. After enjoying careers in Washington, D.C., they returned to Madison for their retirement years.