MATTIE PURVIS-JESSIE

Mattie Gordon was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on March
15, 1929, to Emma Gordon-Roberson and Percy Knowlen. She was
the eldest of two, Eloise Peters and Ruth Niler who have
proceeded her in death. She was called home to rest Saturday,
April 22, 2023.
Mattie often spoke about her humble beginnings. As a child
she would spend time between North Carolina and Georgia.
Her grandfather owned property; she mentioned he and
friends would fox hunt. He also had a cotton field. young child, a
lady named Ms. Mary prophesied to her saying that she was
going to live a long time and have lots of babies. Mattie received
her formal education at Anthony Bowen Elementary School in SW
Washington, DC, and Elizabeth Randall High School.

Reverend Randolph instilled the fear of the Lord after preaching, saying, “children obey your
parents that your days might be long upon the earth.” She found favor with Sister Florence
who gave her a job working in the kitchen for special diets at Providence Hospital and St.
Mary’s Hospital.
While out with her aunt, a tall handsome sailor, named Wilbert Purvis spotted her and swept
her off her feet. He eventually sent her a ticket to meet him in San Diego, California where
they were married by Judge Fox. The newlyweds headed for Oakland, California as her
husband would soon be sent on deployment.
There were many duty stations from coast to coast. It was in Honolulu, Hawaii where she met
the late Bishop W.H. Reed and under his ministry, she accepted the Lord as her personal
savior and learned the importance of fasting and praying and living by faith. As a member of
New Era Community Church, she served as a young church mother, she also held Vacation
Bible School (VBS) in her home on the base where lunch was served to the children in the
neighborhood and they learned about Jesus and sang, Jesus loves the little children, all the
children of the world.
In 1963, the Navy gave orders to leave Honolulu, Hawaii and transfer to San Diego, California
where her husband retire a few years later. She attended Jackson Memorial Church under
the pastorage of the Late Bishop J.A. Blake and of the Late Superintendent Harvey Jessie. She along with the Late Betty Pullum worked together visiting the sick, passing out tracks, meals
and spreading the love of Jesus to strangers, demonstrating God’s unconditional love.
All her life she was anointed with the gift of helping
others, from cleaning homes for sick neighbors,
babysitting, cooking meals. She was a trusted caregiver
for many. She eventually became companion, caregiver,
and wife to the Late Superintendent Harvey Jessie.
Whatever she did, she did as unto the Lord. This was the
lesson she passed on to her children as they were by her
side on many occasions assisting her.
Nothing made her happier than doing for others, some
of her favorite things to do were preparing a meal,
shopping for others, and sending greeting cards and
making phone calls. In the mornings after reading her
Bible she enjoyed watching; Let’s Make a Deal and The
Price is Right game shows. In the evening she enjoyed
solving the puzzle on Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy.
She leaves to remember her life; Percy Fairley of
Washington, DC., Diane Roberson-Lacey (Ronald),
Wilbert (Carol) Purvis, Renee (Tony) Ryan, Maureen Foster of Cumming, GA., Ronald (Patsy)
Purvis of Menifee, CA., Dana Purvis of Hemet, CA., Jon Jay Purvis, Lisa (Anthony) Blair of
Bristol, VA., Robert (Donna) Purvis, Jacqueline (Reginald) Lawson, and Kimberly Purvis.
Grandchildren (45), great grandchildren (61) and great, great grandchildren (7), nieces;

Ruthie Niler- Flythe, Yvette Niler-Jones, Brenda Niler, Yvonne Peters-Rick, Cynthia Niler-
Walker, Marie Antoinette Davis and nephews; Carlton Formey, Andre Peters, Keith Niler.

Proceeding her in death are husbands, Wilbert Purvis, Sr. and Elder Harvey Jessie. Daughters;
Emma Jean Herbert, Debra Purvis, and Angela Purvis. Sons; Gregory Purvis, and Michael
Purvis.

Palm trees symbolizes abundance, eternal life, fertility, growth, longevity, righteousness, victory and wisdom.

Where you lead me, I will follow
When you call me, I will answer
Oh my Lord, please teach me the holy way
Where you lead me, I will follow
When you call me, I will answer
Oh my Lord, please teach me to know Your ways

My soul says YES....

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