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Mary Purkey Obituary
Mary "Lois" Ferrell Purkey August 17, 1940 - August 1, 2024
Mary "Lois" Ferrell Purkey, age 83, passed away August 1, 2024, after a 3-month struggle with pancreatic cancer.
Born on August 17, 1940, she grew up in the Rogersville and Surgoinsville area. She graduated from Surgoinsville High School, with a BS in Education from ETSU and a Masters in Supervision and Administration from Union College. Over her long teaching career, she taught at Sneedville High School, Church Hill High School, Lakeview and Rock Hill Elementary Schools, Surgoinsville Middle School, with occasional summer school classes taught at Volunteer High School.
Lois was secretary of the Hawkins County Republican Party for many years and was involved in numerous political and fund-raising events on their behalf. She thoroughly enjoyed time spent with her friends in the Hawkins County Republican Women's group.
She was a member of Howe's Chapel Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack F. Purkey, parents James W "Bill" and Bobbie Ward Ferrell, grandparents Marion and Gertrude Ferrell, Amanda Ward and Robert B Ferrell, and siblings, Dorothy Ferrell Moore, Larry Ferrell and Retha Ferrell, niece, Donna Clark Barefield, and nephew Rex Purkey.
She is survived by her daughter, Denise Purkey Bieri and husband Chris, granddaughter Paulina Batich and partner Aaron Frederick, step-grandson Randell Bieri, nieces and nephews J.R. Moore, Shawn Ferrell, Terence (Samantha) Ferrell, Will Ferrell, Sandra (Larry) Masters, Angela (Stacey) Surber, Jason Purkey and Kandi Johnson. She also leaves brother/sister-in-laws Benita Ferrell, Lois Clark and Lowell (Linda) Purkey, and a host of dear friends, neighbors and extended family members.
The funeral is being delayed until Saturday August 10th due to family illness. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 pm, with the funeral to follow at 2:00 pm, at Christian-Sells Funeral Home in Rogersville, TN, with the Rev. John North officiating. She will be cremated, and her ashes interred at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries
Wendy Huckaby
August 7, 2024
Ms Purkey was my favorite teacher of all times. She was funny but strict at the same time. I learned a lot from her and it made me want to do better for myself. I will keep the family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. Loosing someone so wonderful in ur life is heart breaking and I know she walks with the lord our savior. She was one of the angels I met here on earth that the lord knew I needed at that time in my life. She will be missed for sure
CLYDE HOUSEWRIGHT
August 7, 2024
JUST SPOKE TO HER ON FACEBOOK a few months ago , and she remembered me in her 6 grade school days, i think everyone remembers mrs purkey, because she was THE BEST TEACHER that there ever was in church hill grade school, GOD BLESS HER and HER FAMILY, WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU . NOW YOU ARE IN GOD'S hand . FOR SURE
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Christian Sells Funeral Home1520 E Main Street PO Box 775, Rogersville, TN 37857
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