Lula Mae (Coefield) Purvis

Lula Mae Coefield Purvis transitioned peacefully into eternal rest at her residence in Portsmouth, Virginia on Wednesday, May 19, 2021.

Lula was born on August 3,1926 to the late Ray Coefield and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Worsley Coefield.  Lula was born and reared in the Enfield area of Edgecombe County in North Carolina. 

Lula married the late John Purvis on December 4, 1942, in Bennettsville, South Carolina. Although no children were born of their union, Lula and John enjoyed a lifetime filled with love from many nieces and nephews. Lula was regarded as a sister, cousin, and aunt who loved to laugh, read, and often traveled. She and her husband lived in New York during their early years before settling in Bennettsville. Prior to residing in Virginia, Lula was devotedly cared for by her nephew, Johnny and his wife, Diane in Wilson, North Carolina.

Lula’s educational status includes training as a Certified Nursing Assistant after being educated in the Public School System of Enfield.  Prior to retiring from Kings County Hospital Center in New York City, New York, on April 16,1988, Lula devoted 37 years of service.

Lula was a proud member of Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church where she actively participated in several ministries. Reverend James E. Smith is the presiding pastor. Lula was a member of the Senior Choir, Kitchen Committee, Mass Choir, Nurse’s Aide Committee, and Pastor’s Aide Committee. Lula was even recognized as an outstanding member of the Pastor’s Aide Committee in 1993. She also served her community in the capacity of her membership in Miles #22 Tent of The Independent Order of Grand Tents J. R. Giddings and Jollifee Union.

Prior to her final journey to be with Our Lord and Savior, Lula maintained a great passion for God.

Lula was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Elizabeth Coefield; husband, John Purvis; siblings; Kattie Perry and Dorothy Noise.

Lula leaves behind to cherish her memory, her caretakers/nephews, Johnny Noise (Diane) of Wilson, NC, and Lawrence Perry (Linda) of Chesapeake, VA; and niece, Verlia Cherry of Chesapeake. She also appreciated a particular closeness to her cousin, Mary Lou Coefield of Chesapeake, VA and niece, Mary of Bennettsville, SC. Lula also leaves behind a family composed of a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

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