Ms. Mary Alice Burch, age 90 of Douglas, passed away late Monday afternoon, April 19, 2021 at Vista Park following an extended illness. Mrs. Burch was born December 21, 1930 to the late Albert Purvis and the late Henrietta Cribbs Purvis. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers: Tillman Purvis, Alfred Lee Purvis and Quitman Purvis and sisters: Florence Purvis and Sammie Lou Watson.
Ms. Burch, a native of Coffee County, was self-employed for many years as a childcare provider. She was a member of First Assembly of God church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She also taught Sunday School at College Avenue Baptist Church for a number of years.
Survivors include:
Children: Glenda Faye Gardner and husband Glenn, Mary Lou Gillespie and husband Vick, Carlie Evans Burch, Peggy B. Hall and husband Billy Joe and Annette Medders and husband Michael, all of Douglas, GA, Greta O’Steen and husband Greg of Winder, GA
Brother: Hilton Purvis and wife Lucille of Douglas, GA
Sisters: Dorothy Mae Taylor of Douglas, GA
Dorothy Dukes of Ambrose, GA
Sister-In-Law: Nadine Walker and husband James of Kingsland, GA
17 Grandchildren
22 Great Grandchildren
11 Great Great Grandchildren
The funeral service will be Friday morning, April 23, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at First Assembly of God with Rev. Marshall Adcock officiating. The interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery with Rev. Byron Griffis conducting the graveside service.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Ricketson Funeral Home.
The active pallbearers for the service will be: Glenn Gardner, Jr., Grant Gardner, Kevin Gillespie, Bryce Hall, Austin Medders, Ashley Sanders, Jason Sanders, Garrett O’Steen, Gavin O’Steen and Gabe O’Steen
Musical Selections for the service will be: “In the Garden” with Jessica Medders at the piano and “Finally Home” sung by Ashley Chaney.
Due to COVID-19, attendees are asked to observe six foot social distancing at the visitation, funeral service and interment. Please wear your mask for safety precautions and in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Ricketson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.