Gatha Gail Purvis, 84 of Ellisville, who passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2026, at the St. Tammany Hospital in Covington, Louisiana

Gaye was born on October 20, 1941, in Jones County, Mississippi to James and Lillian Rayner. She was one of four children born to the marriage. Gaye was a homemaker who loved traveling with her husband, Gene, throughout the United States as he worked in the natural gas pipeline industry. She was a very dedicated Christian who loved the Lord and her Christian walk was evident throughout her life with everyone she met.

Gaye was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She enjoyed being with her family, during the holidays, especially during Christmas time making everyone’s favorite candies. Her favorite past times included riding the grands and great grands on the four-wheeler, taking them to throw rocks in the water, and playing any sport or game in the front yard. Gaye loved those “WHO DAT” Saints!!!! She loved going to the Super Dome as well as watching them from home on Sundays, while texting and calling her sons throughout the game as well as a phone call at the end with a big “WHOOO HOOOO!” Gaye was well known for her infectious laughter and her big bright smile!!! She loved BIG and anyone blessed to know her knew that! Gaye ended everyday before bedtime texting her sons “Night Night sweet baby mama loves you”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lillian Rayner, a sister Mary Burnett and a brother Lavelle Rayner.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Von Gene Purvis, her two sons Rocky Jay Purvis (Karen) of Ellisville and Stoney Jay Purvis (Rhonda) of Collins; a sister Betty Jones; 5 grandchildren, Kala Carpenter (Blaine), Kami Purvis (Zach), Rocky Purvis II (Ashley), Pebbles Counts (Tyler), and Toni Brooke Purvis (Sam); twelve great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 12:00PM till 2:00PM at Ellisville Funeral Home located in Ellisville, MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00PM at the same location. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Ellisville; MS. Reverend Troy Rayner will officiate the service.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Adam Purvis, Allen Purvis, Chris Purvis, Troy Jones, Jimmy Rayner and Tim Rayner.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Purvis, Ray Purvis, Sammy Vaun Johnson, Phillip Purvis Sr., Dene Purvis and Tim Purvis.