Ethel S. Purvis

October 19, 1923 - April 24, 2019

Mrs. Ethel Slay Purvis, age 95 of Conyers, Georgia passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Ethel was the sixth of eight children raised on a farm near Roanoke, Alabama. Upon completion of nursing school, Ethel and her best friend, Millie, moved to the Panama Canal Zone where she began her career as a Registered Nurse and it was there that she met and married her beloved husband of 57 years, Claude W. Purvis. After Bill and Judy were born, the family relocated to Decatur, GA where Jerry was born. Then during a 3-year stint in New Orleans, Scott was born, before moving back to Decatur. Ethel practiced nursing at Emory University Hospital for 25 years until her retirement in 1986. Never one to stay still for long, at age 69 Ethel was certified as an aerobics instructor which she enjoyed for many years. She was a long-time active member of Glenwood Hills Baptist Church in Decatur and, after moving to Conyers, Heritage Hills Baptist Church. Throughout her life she was a prolific volunteer and served in a leadership capacity in numerous organizations such as Georgia Federated Women's Club, Lake Capri Women's Club, Decatur Women's Club, Callanwolde Arts Center, sewing guilds, and church groups among others. Always generous with her time, Ethel organized Red Cross blood drives, served senior citizens in their homes, and served as a docent at the Georgia Governor's Mansion. In 1996, she was named the Georgia Mother of the Year by Georgia Federated Women's Club and honored by then Governor Zell Miller and the GA legislature. Ethel enjoyed sewing and machine embroidery and won many awards at the local, state and national levels for her creative sewing. During their retirement years, Ethel and Claude traveled extensively throughout the world, many times via military transport. Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Claude; grandson, John Purvis; and all 7 of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Bill (Joy) Purvis, Judy (Joe) Brassfield, Jerry (Teresa Cunningham) Purvis, Scott Purvis; grandchildren, Michael (Courtney) Purvis, Alison (Brent) Thomas, Chelsea (George) Metros, Travis Brassfield; and 6 great-grandchildren. Graveside Services will be held Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11:45am at Lawnwood Memorial Park with Pastor Joe Hughes officiating. Family will receive friends Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10 until 11 a.m. at the main entrance foyer of Heritage Hill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heritage Hills Baptist Church, 2987 Hwy 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30094. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.