Suzanne Purvis Spears, 77, of Ellisville, MS, passed away on August 24, 2023, at her home. She was born January 12, 1946, in Washington, D.C.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Ellisville First United Methodist Church. The Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM. The burial will then be held in Ellisville City Cemetery. Rev. Mark Anderson and Rev. David McGowen will officiate the services. Ellisville Funeral Home will oversee arrangements. 601-477-3797.

Ms. Spears, as an infant, moved with her family to Ellisville at the close of WWII. During her young adult years, she lived in other towns across the state, but Ellisville was always home. Suzanne loved this community and its people. She was especially grateful to those who supported her and her family through the long bouts of Crohn's Disease, surgeries, and recoveries. Suzanne served her community as a physical education teacher in The Petal School District, as a buyer and merchandiser for Petal Drug Co., and as a member of the Phi Mu Fraternity, The Fidelia Club of Ellisville, and Wesleyan Circle of Ellisville First United Methodist Church.

Suzanne will be remembered for her fighting spirit, towering cakes, and gracious, open home and heart. Ms. Spears enjoyed many things: her friends, her family, a good game of bridge, an exceptional meal, and giving you the latest update on her grandchildren, grand-nephews and nieces. But most of all, she loved her children – her own and the ones she claimed throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy Purvis, and her husband, Randy Spears.

Suzanne is survived by her daughters: Shannon Spears of Ellisville, Katye Spears Parker (Steven) of Petal, and Jenna Spears Roberts (Vanessa) of Denver, CO; brother, Jay Purvis (Leslie) of Ellisville; grandchildren: Jack Parker, Ella Parker, and Ronnie Jones; nephews:  Jackson Purvis and Warren Purvis (Shauna); niece: Peggy Purvis; great-nephews & nieces: Audrey, Ren, Rowan, Reese, and Evie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jack Nelson Purvis, Sr. Athletic Scholarship at Jones College or David's Purse at Ellisville First United Methodist Church.