Mary Slade Purvis
September 22, 1923 ~ October 14, 2017
ROCKY MOUNT - Mary Slade Purvis, age 94, joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 14, 2017. Born in Richmond, VA on September 22, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Bog Slade, Jr. and Mary Pender Slade. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John William Purvis, Jr.; brothers, Thomas Bog Slade, III and Richard Slade; and the many pets she loved dearly throughout her lifetime.
Mary was a graduate of the Woman's College, University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Upon graduation she taught business courses at Rocky Mount Senior High School and over the years, enjoyed reconnecting with her students in many ways. Mary was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church, attending Christ Church for many years and more recently St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Mary spread her message of love throughout her life and throughout her many circles of friends in her church, her neighborhoods, Cursillo community, water aerobics, senior citizen activities and for almost six years among the staff, residents and their families at Autumn Care of Nash.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory, son, John W. Purvis III and wife, Pam, of Rhode Island; and daughter, Katherine Bog Wilder and husband, Larry, of Rocky Mount. She is also survived by grandchildren, Kaitlin Slade Wilder, Matthew Bog Wilder and wife, Brittany; great-granddaughter, Caroline Reese Wilder; brother-in-law, Bill Purvis; nieces, Penny Slade, Thomasine Slade Wilson, Candy Perry; and nephew, Joe Purvis.
A Celebration of New Life will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount with the Father George Greer officiating.
Visitation with the family will by held on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Commons Area of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and immediately following the 11:00 AM Friday service.
Mary's family is deeply grateful to the staff of Autumn Care and the other residents and their families who loved and cared for "Miss Mary" during the last years of her life. The family extends their gratitude to her special caregivers Nat, Flo, Gwen, Ida, and Danielle for the love and laughter they shared with Miss Mary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or Animal Crackers, a local organization supporting responsible pet ownership, P. O. Box 8860, 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.
Visitation
Location Not Available
Thursday 12/7, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Service
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
301 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 12/8, 11:00 am
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Dear John, Joe and I will never forget our lunch date with your mom. She had a powerful spirit and lived life to the fullest. She taught all of us valuable lessons on when to fight and when to accept. We’re so sorry for your loss. Her spirit will live forever inside you. Theresa and Joe, Joseph, Frank, and Cat
Sorry for the loss of your love one. Phil 46, 7 will help you receive the peace of God. John 528, 29 assures Jesus will restore life to those who has died. These are wonderful blessings to look forward to knowing your loved one is in God’s memory. Hope this thought brings comfort.
Katherine, John, so very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Keeping you both close in prayer. Al and Teresa Taylor Bullard
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. The loss of a love one is truly something that we all regret. However, the bible gives us a hope and comfort. At 2 Corinthians 13,4 the God of all comfort who comforts us during all our trials. Also John 528,29 states all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out to a resurrection. Please read these scriptures with your bible while cherishing all the fond memories of your dear love one.
I am very glad to have known Mary. I thank God for her life.
Mary Slade lived across the road from my family in Hamilton NC. My sister Edith and Mary were best of friends. Mary spent many hours climbing our pecan trees, eating biscuits and molasses, shooting marbles, and teaching me how to play the game. Every marble that rolled in Hamilton finally wound up in one of Mary’s oatmeal boxes. Mary was as much a part of my preschool years as any member of my family. Mary called me her Sugar Bug. However, the sugar melted by the time I finished first grade. From that time on I was called by everyone as Bug. My family moved to Rocky Mount and there I won the marble shooting trophy when I was in the fifth grade. It was a trophy that should have belonged to Mary. In Rocky Mount High School, to my surprise, Mary Kay was my typing teacher, which I still use today. I have 4 published books. and numerous magazines articles. Thank you Mary for that. A few weeks ago I saw Mary for the last time. She wanted to know if I had lost all my marbles again.