Mrs. Willie Pearl Davis Purvis passed away on Sunday November 13, 2022. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, 3:00 p.m. at Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 2606 W. Grace Street Tampa FL 33607, Interim Pastor William Cade, Officiating. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. MASK RECOMMENDED.
Willie Pearl was born October 6, 1931, in Valdosta, GA. Willie Pearl, better known as Pearl, was the first born to Edward and Willie Mae Davis. At an early age, the family moved to Tampa, FL. She attended schools in Hillsborough County and graduated from Middleton High School. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. She later moved to Chicago, IL to live with her oldest brother and attended business school. She then moved back to Tampa to continue her education. Her love for teaching began at her church’s school where she taught Kindergarten. She went on to teach in the Hillsborough County School system for 31 years. She was married to Joe Nathan Green, and from that union 3 sons were born. She was also married to James Edward Purvis, Sr., and from than union 1 son was born. Willie Pearl loved her kids, grand, and great-grandchildren. They were her life. She also loved cooking for family holidays. She was a member of the Middleton Class of 1950. They came together for many class reunions. She was one of the founders of Harris Temple United Methodist Church and a member for 25 years. She served on various committees (the choir, usher board, as the financial secretary, planning committee, and in charge of the hospitality). She was a member of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church for many years. And a part of the Senior Group at the First Baptist Church of College Hill.
She is preceded in death by: her husband, James E. Purvis, Sr.; parents, Edward, and Willie Mae Davis; brothers, Leroy Brinkley, Samuel Brinkley, and Edward Davis, Jr.; sister, Christine Kendrick; nephews, Daniel K. Mitchell Sr., and Daniel K. Mitchell Jr.; and uncle, Bennie Davis.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her sister, Helen Ruth James; her loving sons, Michael L. Green, Jerome L. Green, Edwin N. (Lesa) Green, James E. (Sandra D.) Purvis, Jr; granddaughter, Jennifer L. Green, PharmD, RPh; her nephew, David (Amanda) Mitchell; niece, Patricia Kendrick; nephew, Herbert Kendrick; nieces, Angela Mitchell, Diana Mitchell, and Allison Mitchell; grandsons, Javaris Henderson, Quintin Green, Austin Green, and Braeden Green; great-grandsons, Jeremiah Henderson, and Reginald A. Miller III; great-granddaughter, Jordyn R. Miller; her caring neighbors, Ron Gardner and Alvin Pimento; along with a host of cousins and sorrowing relatives, friends, and the Mt. Tabor M.B. Church family.
The visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue Tampa, FL 33606. MASK RECOMMENDED.
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