Daisy Elizabeth (Bettye) Purvis

Daisy Elizabeth (Bettye) Purvis, 77, of Alachua, Fla., passed away January 14, 2011 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Fla. after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Bettye was born in High Springs, Fla. on May 20, 1933, to James Thomas and Alice Juwett Harrington.

In 1956, she married Wallace Ray Purvis. They lived their lives together in Alachua, and were happily married for 54 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Horace Lester Harrington.

Survivors include her sons, Wallace Ray “Butch” (Jennie) Purvis, Jr., of Hong Kong, and Charles Glenn (Margarita) Purvis, of Alachua; her "favorite" granddaughter, Elizabeth Kay “Beth” Purvis and her “favorite” grandson, Hunter Alexander Purvis, both of Hong Kong; her siblings, J.T. Harrington and Harvey E. (Mary) Harrington, both of Miami, John Robert (Shirley) Harrington of Gainesville, Mary Francis McFarland and Bobbie Jean (Harold) Owens both of Alachua.

She was “Aunt Bettye” to the Tom Spencer family. She was a devoted phone-pal to many. She was an avid sports fan, especially of the Florida Gators and the Atlanta Braves. She was passionate about cooking and spending time with her family.

Bettye loved flowers, or in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to Haven Hospice of Gainesville, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606-3809.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Newnansville Cemetery. Interment to follow service.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at Evans-Carter Funeral Home at 6 p.m.