Patricia Purvis

Patricia Lane Purvis, age 80, passed away peacefully March 13, 2023 at the Nursing Center at Little Creek. Patty was born on February 27, 1943 in Wise County, Virginia to Marjorie McDonough Lane and James Robert Lane. After graduating from Powell Valley High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Patty moved to Knoxville to attend the East Tennessee Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. In 1971, she married her husband of 47 years, Dr. John Taylor Purvis. In 1972 Patty retired from nursing to focus on family. Patty’s greatest loves in life were her family, friends, animals, traveling, gardening and the theater. A wonderful cook, Patty enjoyed entertaining many a surprise guest(s) that John would invite at the drop of a hat. Holidays were always important to Patty, where many would gather and enjoy fabulous food, great wine and make even better memories. Patty and John enjoyed traveling extensively where the saw many a play and musical from the West coast to the East Coast and abroad. Their passion was the Clarence Brown Theatre, which they were both members of the board for many years. Patty’s friends were an important part of her life as she kept in touch with many from her childhood. She truly enjoyed her friends from her neighborhood that visited with her regularly. If she were your friend, you knew it. She was true, honest to a fault, and loyal above all else. Her family meant everything to her. Her husband John was the love of her life and lifelong partner. She leaves behind her much beloved son Rob (Peary), her grandchildren Walker and Mary Pearson Purvis, her brother Randy Lane and her stepchildren Kathy Sharp (Alf), Beth Grace (Gene), Allyn Schwartz (John), Johnny Purvis (Kim) and Robin Purvis. A graveside burial will take place at noon at Emma Jarnagin Cemetery in Morristown, TN on Wednesday March 22, 2023. Following the burial, there will be a Celebration of Life from 5pm to 7pm in the Sun Room at Cherokee Country Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Clarence Brown Theatre, attn: Development, 206 McClung Tower, Knoxville, TN 37996, checks made payable to the University of Tennessee or Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Tributes

Patricia Purvis

February 27, 1943 - March 13, 2023