Lizzie Mae Purvey

Mrs. Lizzie Mae Purvey transitioned peacefully on Monday, July 27, 2026 at her residence. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 4 p.m. at Samuel Grove Baptist Church with interment in the Smith Grove Baptist Church cemetery.

Mrs. Lizzie Mae Purvey was born November 6, 1938, in Tennille, GA, to the parentage of the late Mr. Jim and Mrs. Versanory Burnett.  Mrs. Purvey was a jewel in her community, a master of soul food whose meals nourished both body and spirit, and a devoted usher and the Mother of Smith Grove Baptist Church. She lived a life rooted in unwavering faith in God and exemplified the principle of service before self.  Whether through a warm meal, a kind word, or a helping hand, she gave selflessly to those around her, believing that loving and serving others was one of life's greatest callings. She was affectionately known as the ”Queen of Carter’s” due to her seamstress proficiency and natural leadership talent at keeping people in line. Her compassion and quiet strength touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of faith, love, and community that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Mrs. Purvey was an obedient servant of God until her final moment on earth. She leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories of enduring love and fond memories to her surviving children: Margaret Bailey, Joseph (Juanita) Purvey and Thomas Purvey of Tennille, GA; her devoted sisters-in-law: Dollie Mae Roberts of Macon, GA and Geneva Gregory of Tennille, GA; and brother-in-law Johnny (Helen) Roberts of Pensacola, FL, son-in-law Harvey Wadley Jr., her best friend Zora Lee Braswell of Davisboro, GA. She also leaves behind her “earthly angels” who selflessly and consistently rendered love and support, going above and beyond, in her time of need; her dedicated nieces Pat Darrisaw, Louise Whitaker, Betty Burnett and Bernise Lawrence and her cousin Shanona Settles, all of Tennille, GA. Mrs. Purvey is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 51 greatgrand children & 18 great-great grand children, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was welcomed into eternal rest by her husband Guss Purvey, her sons Robert Scott, James Davis and Phillip Purvey and daughters Jeannette Watts, Frances Wadley and Pamela Burton. Her two brothers: Emmett Burnett and Jimmy Lee Burnett; four sisters: Lestell Asberry, Lilly Ruth Adams, Odessa Lawson, and Daisy Rogers; and four grandchildren: Annette Burnett, Miranda Scott, Antonio Purvey and Joyce Stephens also preceded her in death.