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Early Wednesday morning, April 3, 2013, our beloved Delores Congleton Purvis gracefully left her earthly home and entered into eternal heavenly rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The sixth child born to the late Willie Burns and Nolie Little Burns on November 2, 1938, Delores spent her early years in Pitt and Martin Counties. She matriculated through Martin County Schools, graduating in 1957 from East End High School, Robersonville, NC. At an early age, Delores joined Belmont Missionary Baptist Church in Robersonville, and was a member of the Belmont Gospel Chorus. She loved to sing, and she could sing! Delores, or “Polly” as she was affectionately named and known by family and friends, married James S. Congleton, Sr. in 1958. To this blessed union were born three sons who survive. James Congleton, Sr. preceded her in death in 1985. “Polly” moved to Greenville, NC in 1994, and in 1995, she married Arthur Purvis. Mrs. Purvis’ employment career exemplified her love for people, and her desire to serve others of all ages. She worked as a nurse for Dr. Daily before becoming employed for many years with the Martin County Schools as a Teacher Assistant. In this role, she distinguished herself as a caring, gifted helper and friend, especially to youth. Her professional affiliations and community involvement included: Member of the NC Teacher Assistants Association; and Pride of East, Chapter #524. Affiliating with the Mt. Calvary Free Will Baptist Church in 1995, Sister Purvis was a dutiful and faithful member in ministry. She served with the Hospitality Committee, and she was a member of the Mother’s Board. Mother Purvis truly loved her Lord, her precious family, and her church. As long as her health permitted, she served all with loving strength and gracious support. One of Mother Purvis’ favorite songs, “I Won’t Complain” mirrored her spirit to all. Exuding with a joyful personality, she enjoyed coordinating and hosting various family gatherings, including the family’s reunion activities. Good fellowship was indeed a heart-throb for this special servant and friend to many. Mother Purvis leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: three sons – James S. Congleton, Jr.; Chauncey B. Congleton (Twana); and Samuel “Bernie” Congleton, all of Greenville, NC; eight grandchildren – De’Carol Little, Jamelle Congleton, Cameron Congleton, Tyler Congleton, Jada Congleton, Jala Congleton, Landen Congleton, and Rylan Congleton; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Gene Alton Burns (Margie) of Tarboro, NC; a mother-in-law, Mrs. Julia Wallace Congleton of Robersonville, NC; eight sisters-in law; three brothers-in-law; and a special former daughter-in-law, Terry M. Congleton of Greenville. Mother Purvis was predeceased by a daughter, Carolyn Jean Little. Also cherishing her memory is a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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Mrs. Delores "Polly" Congleton Purvis

November 2, 1938 - April 3, 2013