Carolyn Abney Purvis

Ms. Carolyn Abney Purvis, 78, of Wadley passed away Friday, September 25, 2020 at her residence following an extended illness.

Ms. Purvis was born October 17, 1941 in Clearwater, South Carolina to the late Frank Abney, Sr. and Conelia Rich Abney. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sam Purvis, Jr.; daughter, Janet Slusher; brothers, Raymond Abney, Jimmie Abney. Ms. Purvis met her soulmate as a young teenager. She married Mr. Sam Purvis, Jr. at the age of 15 on February 11, 1957 and they began their lives together in South Carolina. They later moved to Wadley and began building their family. Ms. Purvis welcomed 3 precious children into the world, Debra “Debbie” Barber, Paul Purvis, and the late Janet Slusher. Upon moving to Wadley, she began working at the Wadley Shirt Factory in the late 1960s. Later in life after the birth of one of her greatest joys, special needs granddaughter, Paige, she became a bus monitor for Jefferson County School System. Ms. Purvis spent 17 years as a bus monitor, where she took pride in singing with her children daily. Also a familiar face in Emanuel County, she worked over 15 years on Saturday nights in the Pit Stop Concession at Swainsboro Raceway, cooking and serving some of the best racetrack food in the country. Ms. Purvis’s greatest love in life was her family. She was married for 61 years before Mr. Purvis passed away October 5, 2017. She was the proud Nanny of 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Ms. Purvis enjoyed cooking, fishing, and mountain trips with her family.

Survivors include her son, Paul (Debra) Purvis of Wadley; daughter, Debra (Greg) Barber of East Dublin; brother, Frank (Louise) Abney of Scotland; sister, Marie (Junior) Stapleton of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Jonathan Barber, Carolyn “Candy” Carroll, Brandy Shell, Brittney Slusher, Jessica Cowart, Tori Williams, Dillion Cowart, Paige Purvis; 13 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Funeral Services will be Sunday, September 27, 2020 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Bedgood officiating.

Interment will follow in the Rich Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday, September 27, 2020 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Larry Purvis, Will Purvis, Mark Smith, Billy Cavannah, Kirtus Smith, John Napier, Jonathan Barber.

In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, 6 feet rule will be enforced during visitation and service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Carolyn Abney Purvis, 78, of Wadley.