Farrish M Purce, Sr.

Farrish M. Purce, Sr., son of the late Freddie and Mary Purce, was born on June 6, 1923 in Caroline County, VA. He departed this life in peaceful rest of Monday, July 1, 2013 at 8:49am at the home of his daughter, Hazel Harris in King George, VA.

Farrish was joined in holy matrimony to the late, Reaver M. Purce, in 1946 in LaPlata, MD. To this union, 11 children were born. Alfretta and Alfred (twins) and Yvonne preceded him in death.

At an early age he accepted Christ and joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Port Royal, VA. He attended Little Zion Baptist Church and later became a member. Farrish was a World War II Vet, who celebrated his 21st birthday on "D Day" while active in the US Army.

Farrish loved gardening and enjoyed giving most of his fruits and vegetables to his family and friends.
He was also a workaholic. He was a cement mason by trade, who built homes from the ground up, including his own. Farrish loved and cherished his family and greeted them with excitement when they came to visit. He loved watching old Western movies. He had an extensive collection of hats. Farrish was the neighborhood taxi driver, always taking people to stores and doctor appointments, until he was no longer able to drive. He enjoyed most of his last days sitting on the front porch, at the home of Hazel and Noland Harris.

Farrish's memory will be cherished by his six daughters, Dorothy Purce-Ball of Richmond, VA, Hazel Harris (Noland Harris) of King George, VA, Mary Jo White (Tony White) of King George, VA, Pambla Henry of Ft. Washington, MD, Tywanda Weldon-Tyler of Richmond, VA, and Chiquita Smallwood of Waldorf, MD; two sons, Farrish Purce, Jr (Birmah Purce) of Oxon Hill, MD and Michael Purce of Temple Hills, MD; one sister, Selena Johnson (Thomas Johnson) of Oxon Hill, MD; one brother, Merrill Purce of Colonial Beach, VA; two sister-in-laws, Margaret Purce of Oak Grove, VA and Alice Coleman of Colonial Beach, VA; twenty-three grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces , nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special thank you to our sister, Hazel Harris and her family, Noland Harris and Raymond Brooks, Jr., for caring for our father during his illness. May God continue to bless them.

Sorrowfully Submitted,
The Family