Magnolia Miller Purvis

Magnolia Miller Purvis

“It is with deep reverence and heavy hearts that we celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved Magnolia Miller Purvis,

a devoted mother, sister, church member, and community servant. Magnolia transitioned to her external rest on

Saturday, November 29, 2025, in her daughter’s home in Clinton, MS, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever

be in the hearts of those who knew her.

Sister Purvis entered this world on November 01, 1935, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, born to the late Eddie and Lou Willie

Miller Pickett. She was the sixth child in a bustling, vibrant family of eleven. From an early age, she learned the value of

faith, family, and hard work, values she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

She received her formal education in the Yazoo City public school system, proudly graduating from the historic No. 2

school in 1955. Shortly after high school, Magnolia’s heart was captured by the love of her life, Willie Joe Purvis. United

in holy matrimony, the young couple sought new horizons and relocated to Los Angeles, California. It was there, under

the Californian sun, that their family began to bloom with the birth of three children, Gwendolyn, Michael, and Willie.

Yet, the call of home and the roots of Mississippi were strong. The family returned to Yazoo City, where they completed

their family circle with the birth of their youngest daughter, Cheryl.

Magnolia was a woman of Industry and compassion. For many years, her warm smile greeted countless neighbours during

her tenure as the head cashier at the A&P and Big Star grocery store. Later, she found her true calling in healthcare,

working in the clerical field at MYL and as an office manager at Dr Gambrell’s medical center. In this role, she served

the community she loved with a gentle hand and a caring spirit.

A woman of unshakeable faith, she was a lifelong member of Lintonia Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She

joined Lintonia Chapel at an early age under the pastorage of Rev. C.L. Wright. Magnolia served in many capacities. She

was an avid Church School scholar, choir member, Trustee, Lay President, chair of the kitchen committee, and the most

seasoned member. She was a faithful member until her health declined.

Additionally, she has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 36 years. Magnolia over the years has served

on various ALA Committees such as Girls’ State, Poppy, Constitution and Bylaws, Elections and Debutante. She also

enjoyed attending District Meetings, Central Area, and State Conference. She has been honoured for her dedicated services.

While her public service was admirable. It was Magnolia's love for her family that truly defined her. She was the heartbeat

of family gatherings. She looked forward with great anticipation to “Yazoo Day” and holidays, when her sisters and

brothers would return home. Those moments were filled with laughter as they gathered around the table, the air filled

with the soulful sounds of the blues, good food, playing cards, reminiscing about their childhood, and celebrating the

bond that time could not break.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Lou Willie Miller Pickett; one daughter: Gwendolyn Purvis-

Robinson, and eight siblings: Thelma Carter, Joe Willie Miller, LC Miller, Clarence Miller, Juanita Miller, Charles

Miller, Bessie Willingham, and Mary Ann Young.

She is survived by three children: (sons) Michael Purvis and Willie Purvis (Shirley), both of Yazoo City, MS, and

(daughter) Cheryl P. Buckhanan (Clifton) of Clinton, MS; one sister: Yvonne Miller of Katy, TX; one brother: Robert

Earl Miller of St. Louis, MO; three first cousins: Nancella Hudson of Yazoo City, MS, Christine Hudson of Chicago, IL,

and Mable Johnson of Detroit, MI; and a host of family and friends from near and afar.

Magnolia Miller Purvis has finished her course; she kept the faith, and now she rests in the arms of the Lord. She is

reunited with the family she missed dearly.