Reaver M. Purce

Reaver M. Purce, daughter of the late Deacon Herbert and Deaconess Lillie Ferguson, was born June 7, 1927 in Caroline County. She departed this life in a peaceful rest on Thursday, October 10, 2002 at 7;15 a.m. surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter, Dorothy Purce-Ball in Richmond, Virginia.

Reaver was joined in holy matrimony to Farrish Purce, Sr in 1946 in LaPlata, Maryland. To this union, eleven children were born. Alfreda and Alfred (who were twins) and Yvonne preceded her in death.

At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined the First Mount Zion, Caroline County. Later in life after joining in holy matrimony to Farrish Purce, Sr., they moved to Oak Grove, Virginia and joined the Little Zion Baptist Church.

She was employed by White Packing Company in King George for many years until her health failed.

Reaver loved traveling, cooking, canning, and she had a special green thumb for growing flowers and plants. She received much joy when humming her favorite song, It’s A Highway To Heaven or just enjoying her family with a special passion.

Reaver’s memory will be cherished by her husband, Farrish Purce, Sr. of Colonial Beach, Virginia; six daughters, Dorothy Purce-Ball of Richmond, Virginia, Hazel Brooks of Lanham, Maryland, Mary Jo White of King George, Virginia, Pamela Henry of Ft. Washington, Maryland, Tywanda Weldon-Tyler of Richmond, Virginia and Chiquita Butler of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; two sons, Farrish Purce, Jr. and Michael Purce, Sr. both of TeaNeck, New Jersey; one daughter-in-law, Birmah Purce; four sons-in-law, Tony White, Demetrius Henry, Larry Butler, and Floyd Tyler; four sisters, Martha Ferguson, Alice Coleman, and Garnett Purce of Colonial Beach, Virginia and Virginia Upshaw of Washington, D.C.; four sisters-in-law, Margaret Purce, Selena Johnson, Mary Dobbins, and Dorothy Purce; three brothers-in-law, Charles Purce, Merrill Purce, and James Coleman; twenty-six grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren and a host of nieces nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special thank you to our oldest sister, Dot, for caring for our mother during her illness and to Tasha, the last nurse to serve as our mother's caregiver. May God bless them both.


Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535