Sylvia Madeline Purifoy

Sylvia Madeline Purifoy, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully Thursday, January 10, 2008 in Mineola. She was 92 years of age and a 60 year resident of Hawkins, Texas. Sylvia, affectionately known as "Sib" was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, W. A. (Curley) Purifoy and daughter, Patricia Ann Bailey. She is survived by three daughters; Billie Nichols and husband Harold of Frankston, Kay Blalock and husband Edwin of Mineola, Fay Svoboda and husband Alan of Yucca Valley, California; two sons, Tom Purifoy and wife Margie of Corsicana, Michael Purifoy and wife Jerri of Longview. Survivors also include Cindy Williams and Chuck Bailey (Children of Patricia) plus fourteen grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Sylvia was born October 31, 1915 near Deridder, Louisiana, the youngest daughter of William Isaiah Perkins and Ruth Ethel (Mott) Perkins, both of Jasper, Texas. The family returned to East Texas where she met and married Curley in 1933 and reared six children while experiencing some of the most difficult periods in American history (The Great Depression and WWII). Sylvia lead a joyous and productive life characterized by grace and dignity and will be sorely missed by her family and friends.