Mary Virginia Brantley Purdee, 97, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at DeLeon Springs, FL.

Born in Stuckey, Wheeler County, GA on February 12, 1917, Mary was the daughter of Christopher Columbus and Mary Naomi Clements Brantley. A resident of DeLand, Mrs. Purdee moved there in 1972. She was a homemaker and also employed in the citrus industry, retiring from Ardmore Farms in 1981.

Mrs. Purdee was the widow of Mr. James Eldon Purdee. She was predeceased by four children; Mrs. Geraldine P. Woodard, Mr. Leslie E. Purdee, Mr. David H. Purdee, Mr. James "Jimmy" Purdee and a stillborn son. Mrs. Purdee outlived nine siblings and reached a greater age than anyone in her family had ever attained.

Since she was a teenager, Mrs. Purdee loved the Lord and devoted her life to serving him. She remained a prayer warrior and ministry supporter throughout her life. She was a member of Calvary Full Gospel Church of DeLeon Springs, FL. She was also a charter member of the Starke Church of God, Starke, FL and instrumental in helping establish the Crescent City Church of God, Crescent City, FL.

Mrs. Purdee is survived by five children; Mrs. Yvonne Dingus (Ed), Hamden, CT; Ms. Janice Sutton, DeLand, FL; Mrs. Elaine Kirkland (Howard), DeLand, FL; Mrs. Diane Wall (Michael), Chiefland, FL; and Mr. Chuck Purdee (Cyndie), DeLeon Springs, FL. Mrs. Purdee is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 23 great-great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews and other special family members.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home-DeLand. Services will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 2 PM, at Calvary Full Gospel Church, DeLeon Springs, FL with burial following at DeLand Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Monday, April 21, 2014, 5-9 PM, at Lohman Funeral Home, DeLand, FL. Online Condolences may be shared in this online guestbook.