Marilyn D. Purdy

Marilyn Davis Purdy, 64, of Birmingham, died Sunday, January 15 at home after multiple strokes. She was born July 15, 1958 in Birmingham to Charlotte Cory Davis and Joe Lloyd Davis. Marilyn was a proud graduate of Banks High School where she was a cheerleader. Through a student ministry at Banks, she discovered the Gospel and became a follower of King Jesus. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Education, from University of Alabama at Birmingham with an MA in Counseling, and from the Institute for Biblical Studies a Certificate in Theology. She was married to Gary Purdy for 32 years and was an amazing mother to her son, Davis, and daughter, ClaraLane.

For many years, Marilyn served in campus ministries at Auburn, SMU, Baylor and UGA. While living in Chattanooga, Tn, she was an Admissions Counselor at the Baylor School where her children attended. After returning to Birmingham, she began a career in real estate. She was a member of Alpha Omega Pi and a Board Member for Banks Academy. Marilyn was an avid Bama fan, novel reader, and beach lover. Everywhere she lived, she was a consummate friend and enjoyed connecting her many friends to one another.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her father and mother. She is survived by her husband, Gary Purdy of Birmingham, her son Davis Purdy and his wife Kaitlyn of Durham, NC, her daughter ClaraLane Hewlett and her husband Hamilton of Pensacola, Fl., sister Amy Pitts and her husband Bill of Odenville, Al., father-in-law Gary Purdy Sr. and his wife Carolyn of Dallas, Texas, brother-in-law, Rob Purdy and his wife Sally of Dallas, Texas, brother-in-law Thomas Purdy of Dallas, Texas as well as by nieces, nephews and grandnieces.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19 at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Valley Rd, Homewood, AL 35209. The Memorial Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 20 also at Ridout's Valley Chapel. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 20 at Southern Heritage Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Rd, Alabaster, AL 35124. Pall bearers are Davis Purdy, Rob Purdy, Hamilton Hewlett, Jack Purdy, Wesley Walker, and Bill Pitts.

Memorial gifts may be made to Reformed University Ministries (RUF) at Birmingham-Southern College where Marilyn’s husband, Gary, serves. www.ruf.org/bsc for online giving. Check donations may be made out to RUF and mailed to RUF P.O. Box 890004 Charlotte, NC 28289-0004 with “Gary Purdy” written on the memo line.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Purdy family.