Florence Eleanor Purvis

Mrs. Florence Eleanor Purvis passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, Mississippi, at the age of 91. A woman of unwavering faith and tireless devotion to her family and church, she leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and quiet strength. Born in the Johnson community of Mississippi, Eleanor was the daughter of Arthur and Elsie (Odom) Walters. She began her education in that area and graduated from Jones County Agricultural High School in Ellisville, Mississippi, in 1953. She furthered her academic journey at Westminster Bible School in Tehuacana, Texas. Eleanor was married to George Hilton Purvis for 71 years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and ministry. As the steadfast partner in her husband’s pastoral work within the Congregational Methodist Church, Eleanor’s influence extended far beyond. Whether teaching in the local church, supporting missionaries, or contributing to building and improvement projects at Wesley College, the Mission Furlough home and the Mississippi Annual Adult Camp, she served with humility and grace. Her personal relationship with the Lord was the cornerstone of her life. Through her prayer ministry and acts of compassion, she touched countless lives. Her service was not confined to formal roles—she cared deeply for those around her and was always quick to respond when illness or need arose within her family or church community. Eleanor’s hands were rarely still. A gifted seamstress and crocheter, she lovingly crafted clothing for her daughters and other family members. Her talents found a special purpose when she learned that premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Women's and Children's Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, needed smaller blankets. Rising to meet this need with characteristic dedication, Eleanor designed and crocheted over 650 “Mamaw blankets” for the NICU. When the hospital later remodeled with an ocean theme, nurses raised funds to purchase a piece of artwork, a portal featuring a seahorse, was dedicated to “Mamaw, for her stitches of love.” It hangs in the NICU unit. Eleanor is survived by her daughters: Karen P. Smith; Janise (Lee) Edmiston; Marie (Ed) Smith; and Millie (James "Chip") Williams. She also leaves behind grandchildren: Julie (Jess) Partain; Jamie Partain; Kim (Billy) Smith Marascalco; Brian (Heather) Smith; Amy Smith; Max (Amy) Edmiston; David (Melissa) Smith; Vernon (Libby) Smith; and Drew (Jeniffer) Smith; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry forward her memory. She is also survived by her brother Fred (Winnie) Walters; sister Deborah (Gerald) Martin; sister-in-law, Claudine Walters; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband George Hilton Purvis; parents Arthur and Elsie Walters; siblings Herbert (Ann) Walters, Herschel (Mildred) Walters, Exel Aultman (Paul), Margaret Beech (Tom), and Doug Walters; son-in-law L. Kenneth Smith; and one great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be David Smith, Vern Smith, Drew Smith, Max Edmiston, Dwayne Beech, Kevin Walters, and Kale Walters. A woman of quiet strength and deep compassion, Mrs. Florence Eleanor Purvis lived a life defined by faithfulness—to God, to family, and to service. Her legacy will continue through the lives she touched so deeply. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A visitation will be held on July 17, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Faith Community Church, 836 Highway 28 West, Soso, MS. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Florence Eleanor Purvis

February 28, 1934 - July 12, 2025