ROCKY MOUNT - Julia Ellen Jones Purinai, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Born in Nash County, NC on November 4, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Sidney Thomas Jones and Margaret Ellen Coley Jones. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Nicholas Purinai; and infant daughter, Lynn Ellen Purinai.
Growing up within the Dortches Community, Julia would always share with others stories of her loving family and just how wonderful her childhood upbringing was. Following high school, she attended Mars Hill College and then Baptist Hospital where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. Julia's choice to care for others led her to Richmond, VA, where she would meet the love of her life and husband Joe. After some brief moves, she and Joe settled down in Dortches and together began an independent insurance agency, of which Julia was key to the agency's success. Julia returned to nursing until her retirement from Edgecombe-Nash Mental Health after 20 years of helping others. The family home was always open to friends and family to gather. Many memories were made between their home in Dortches and their beach cottage in Topsail. Julia especially enjoyed the sounds of the ocean and the fellowship she shared with her neighbors out on the porch. A longtime member of Dortches Baptist Church, she always offered her love, prayers and fellowship to all those around her. A life well lived, Julia was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend to many.
Julia is survived by her three sons, Tom Purinai and wife, Deenie, David Purinai and wife, Susan, and Kevin Purinai and partner, Clarke Latimer; her grandchildren, Jon Purinai and wife, Caitlin, Alison Purinai, Katy Purinai, Elizabeth Milne and husband, William, and Andrew Purinai; her great-grandchildren, Duke and James Milne and Dillon and Coley Purinai; her sisters, Ann Jones Vause and Sue Jones Collins; along with several nieces and nephews.
A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at Dortches Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Barton officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
The family would like to especially thank Julia's caregivers, Lizzie Johnson and Felicia Thorne, for their continued love and support throughout these trying times.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to Dortches Baptist Church, 4776 Dortches Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Dortches Baptist Church
4776 Dortches Blvd.
Rocky mount, NC 27804
A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at Dortches Baptist Church with Rev. Phillip Barton officiating.
Cemetery
Rocky Mount Memorial Park
4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Burial will follow the private service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Tom, Deenie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. She was such a sweet kind lady, always had a smile and soft spoken word to everyone she met. May you find peace in your many memories of her great love for her family! We are praying for you.
Farewell my friend so many memories across time that we share guess we first met as students at Mars Hill Collegewjere we took the required chemistry for admission to our nursing career at North Carolina Baptist Hospital a start of a long friendship thro 3yrs of intense study and ward duty out of that we came back forseveral yrs to meet and enjoy remembering then 8 of us and husbands began a 25 yr annual meeting at various inns what a lovely and lively time we had forged great memories And Julia loved all the times some of us visited your beach home So many wonderful memories as I say farewell my friend I will miss you and my visits with you in your home
It was always a pleasure to see your Mama when she needed banking help. What a joy just to sit and talk with her about her family. She was so sweet and just an angel. I was blessed to know her and your Dad too. So sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her sweet spirit greatly.
My mother is Roslyn Fisher.
She was a very nice person and one of Mamas best friends. She would always ask how everyone was doing when I saw her at church.
David, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult and sad time. Sherry & Jimmy