Sylvia Purvis

Sylvia Carol Purvis, 71, of Ethel, MS, passed away on October 7, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Sylvia was born October 17, 1951, to William D. (Bill) and Lanie Rone Purvis, of Ethel, MS. A Celebration of Life will be held at Jordan Funeral Home on Saturday October 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm with visitation prior to the service from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Tabernacle Cemetery. We invite you to wear purple in honor of her battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sylvia attended schools in Port Gibson and Hattiesburg, graduating from Hattiesburg High School in 1969. She is an alumnus of USM and later worked there for thirteen years. Her other work history included South Central Bell, McRae’s, Pine Grove Mental Health Center, all in Hattiesburg, MS.

After moving to Ethel, Sylvia worked at ACE Hardware, and for Renasant Bank since 2003. She was a member of Ethel Baptist Church, and, for many years, was secretary, treasurer, and clerk.

Sylvia enjoyed scrapbooking, crafting, genealogy and reading. For a time, she held local offices with the UDC in Attala County 2592, serving as Chapter President, Vice President Historian, State Historian, State Treasurer.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Lanie Purvis, of Ethel, MS, along with her grandparents, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Sylvia is survived by her brother, Wade Purvis, of Ethel, MS; Wanda Jackson (Glenn) of Ethel, MS; Frances Voss (Michael) of Purvis, MS; and a half-brother, Dave Purvis (Wanda) of Vicksburg, MS. She is also survived by two aunts, Minnie Alice Rone of Ethel, MS and Frances Lester of Kosciusko, MS, an uncle, George Rone of Senatobia, MS, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friend, Mark Armstrong of Vaiden, MS.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Voss, Matthew Gray, Trent Jackson, Landen Wilson, Tommy Wilson, and Mark Armstrong.

Honorary pallbearers will be William Jackson, Michael Voss, Michael Barnhardt, Nolan Jackson, Landon Gray, Michael Collier, Westin Collier, Caysin Collier, Kempe Hodges, Gary Alldread, Deacons of Ethel Baptist Church, and employees of Renasant Bank.

Sylvia’s family would like to give thanks to everyone for their thoughts, and prayers during this time. A very special Thank You goes to Dr. Nicole Cleveland and Jackson Oncology Associates, MS Home Care, Dr. Gary Wallace and staff, FGHospice & Asbury House. Thank You to the many friends, family, and loved ones who helped Sylvia carry the load and “pull the wagon” on her journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 14, Ethel, MS 39067.