Mary Purrington

A Memorial Service will be held for Mrs. Mary Eva Purrington in Raleigh, North Carolina at a later date. Details to be announced by the family.

Mary Eva Purrington, age 74, passed away on October 21, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born on April 28, 1950, in Horry County, South Carolina, Mary lived a life marked by dedication to her family, community, and education.

Mary graduated as salutatorian from Whittemore High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Norfolk State University. Her passion for learning and commitment to excellence continued throughout her career, where she retired after many years of service from North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance.

A life member of both the NAACP and the Norfolk State University Alumni Association, Mary believed deeply in civil rights, equality, and education, exercised by her prolific donations to her alma mater NSU.  She touched many lives with her warmth, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to these causes.

Mary is preceded in death by her father, Arthur Carr, her mother, Eva Johnson, and her sister, Brenda Carr. She is survived by her loving husband, Challis Purrington Sr., and her devoted children: Maya Yarbrough (David), Challis Purrington Jr., Kevin Purrington (Amber), and Kamilah Cobb (Brandon). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Ania Purrington, Alexander Yarbrough, Isaiah Purrington, Liam Cobb, Kaylah Purrington, Khloe Cobb, and Brianna Cobb. Mary will be deeply missed by her sisters, Valerie Wrighten, LeNora McMorris, and her brother Nathaniel Carr.

A wake will be held at McKiever Funeral Home, Sunday, October 27, 2024. Her funeral will take place at The Brook United Methodist Church, 9705 St. James Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588, Monday, October 28, 2024

In honoring Mary’s legacy, her family welcomes flowers or, if preferred, donations can be made to the Mary & Challis Purrington Endowed Scholarship Fund at Norfolk State University (https://tinyurl.com/Mary-and-Challis-Endowment), a cause that was close to her heart.

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