Legacy of Laughter

A Legacy of Healing

OBIT - Mary Frances Purvis of Groveland, Fl. Went to heaven on January 8, 2022.

Mary was born in Lakeland, Florida to her parents, Curry Bell and Willie May Hughes on May 2, 1942.

Mary is survived by her husband of 58 years, A.W. Purvis and their children:

Joy (Loren) Bumgardner, Becky (Todd) Wardingly and Andy (Tori) Purvis.

Also, their grandchildren- Nick Sharpe, Naomi Chatham, Justin Sharpe, Brittney Wardingly, Joshua Wardingly, & Zach Purvis along with five greatgrandchildren.

Mary was proceeded in death by her daughter Patricia Lynn “Wendy” Purvis.

This morning we are holding Mary’s memorial here at First Baptist Minneola where Mary was a long time and active member.

Job 8:21 CSB

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with a shout of joy.

A yawn is contagious, but really who enjoys a yawn.

Sure it might feel good when accompanied with a morning stretch, but that now a laugh, that’s good medicine (Pr 17:22).

Mary is filled with laughter and was used by God to help many thousands of people feel better.

A doctor might help a dozen or so people feel better each day, but a good laugh touches crowds of people wherever open ears hear.

I’ll never forget seeing Mary on the floor near the back doors of this Worship Center. VBS was off to an interesting start that year.

In typical Mary style, on the floor in pain, she still made me laugh. Approaching Mary she said, “I’m no better than a drunken mule falling all over the place!” Somehow, Mary comforted me more than I comforted her.

We sure miss Mary already, but I know she’d like us to keep in mind the words from the book of Luke:

Luke 6:21 CSB

Blessed are you who are hungry now, because you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, because you will laugh.

Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for both weeping and laughing.

The Psalmist tells us the One who sits in heaven laughs (Ps 2:4) and with Mary there today, I’m sure there is a ruckus going on.

A Legacy of Godliness

Mary had much reason to laugh. Like the Psalmist, Mary knew the fullness of Joy:

Psalm 16:11 CSB

You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.

Mary lived an active life of service in this church because of her relationship with Jesus.

While Mary had a truly happy nature, she was very forthcoming about letting people know the source of her joy.

It wasn’t often Mary got “serious” with me, but when she did it was because she wanted me to know her relationship with Jesus was so precious to her.

On occasion, Mary would express something like, “I don’t know where I’d be without God.”

There was something I can only describe as a reverent attitude when I prayed with Mary. She’d drop her head and her expression would change to a peaceful, but joyous, one.

To this day I can see that look when, after a prayer, that first glimpse in Mary’s eyes was one of quite peace and true joy.

A Legacy of Unselfishness

Mary certainly cared much for other people.

For many, the book of James reads like a reprimand, but not so much for someone like Mary.

See, we’ve already touched on a few great things we know to be true about Mary.

Now, consider this verse from the book of James:

James 5:13 CSB

Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.

Mary cared deeply for the suffering.

That precious look in Mary’s eyes when we’d finish a prayer was reflected in the same way when we spoke of the less-fortunate, the fatherless, and the far-from-God.

Without a doubt, Mary is one of the happiest people I know and she did have some songs she enjoyed. We’re sining and hearing some of them today.

There was a quiet sweetness that I once glimpsed in Mary. Along with A.W. “Dub,” we sat on the back porch simply looking into the distance. Mary shared stories about being a mom, a wife, and in typical style, some funny stories about her neighbors.

Mary often helped me heal with her laughter, reminded me of the character of godliness, and demonstrated godlikeness from her soul.

Conclusion

Mary made some pretty amazing chicken and dumplings because she know how much people loved this great dish she made so very well.

Mary is with Jesus and experiencing joy in a way so much better than the great joy she had and shared with others while with us.

But like a good dish of chicken and dumplings, I know Mary wants all of us to have a good feast, but one that reflects the life she lives because of the joy she has in her heart.

Ecclesiastes tells us that “bread is made for laughter” but I think the better food comes from joy in one’s heart like the Proverb reminds us:

Proverbs 15:15 CSB

All the days of the oppressed are miserable, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Be of good cheer, I know Mary would want to to feast on that.