Lois Patricia Purvis

Mrs. Lois Patricia Bragg Purvis, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 4, 2016, after an accidental fall at home. Lois, or Patsy as she was referred to growing up, was born to Wilmer E. and Francis Laura Bragg on September 27, 1942, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Wilmer E. Bragg, mother, Frances L. Bragg, and sister Linda Velazquez (Ernie). She leaves to mourn husband, Aubrey Purvis, Sr., son, Michael Franklin Sharpe, daughters, Janis Browning and Michelle McGahee, step-daughter, Louise Wood (Pete), granddaughter, Jennifer Salgado (Liam), and grandsons, Zachary Sharpe (Rachel), Garrett Sharpe, and Jesse Stone. She also leaves sisters, Mary Randle (Tom) and Lisa Benton (Terry), and brother Ronald Bragg (Kathy), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Growing up, Lois didn’t have a lot. Her family was poor and she often told stories of not having “what the other kids had.” Because of this, she had a special place in her heart for children who “didn’t have what the other kids had.” She taught fifth grade Sunday school for 31 years at Evangel Temple, and considered every child who came into her class one of her children. She wiped many tears, listened to many sad and happy stories, and prayed many prayers with her kids throughout this 31 years. Many of her students would come back year after year, long after they were out of 5th grade, just because they knew she would be willing to stop and listen and help them in any way she could. She bought many Easter dresses, suits, socks and underwear (“Everyone needs new underwear” she used to tell us), as well as paid for many kids to go to Church Camp who would otherwise never have the opportunity to go. We counted that over her 31 years, she has had over 1300 students come through her classes. She loved Jesus, and her Sunday school ministry was an important part of her life every day, not just on Sunday.

Lois has been married to Aubrey for 41 years, and he was the love of her life. She said, “God gave Aubrey not only to her, but also to her children.” They loved to spend their days just being together, talking and enjoying their retirement.

Lois embraced life and loved her family immensely. She had a heart of gold and touched lives on so many levels. Her commitment to Christ and her loving and giving spirit will be her lifelong legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to a special fund on Youcaring.com set in her honor to provide funds for children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to go to summer camp.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Evangel Temple at 5755 Ramona Blvd. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park. HARDAGE-GIDDENS, TOWN & COUNTRY, 7242 Normandy Boulevard is serving the family.