Mrs. Elizabeth "Betty" Purdham

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Mae Yowell Purdham, age 83, of Salisbury passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House. Betty was born April 6, 1931, in Madison, VA, the daughter of the late Ruth Carpenter Yowell and Yancey Michael Yowell, Sr. As a young girl and teenager, Betty valued and appreciated the challenge of music, drama, speech, athletics, after school chores and church activities. She valued the interaction with her parents, grandparents, teachers, church leaders, siblings, cousins and friends. And she was extremely grateful for the blessings of Christ her Savior; teachings of her mother and father; and the love of her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. While a student and after graduating from Marion Junior College, she attended Lenoir-Rhyne University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Math Education. She then received a Master in Education from University of Virginia. She appreciated the opportunity to serve in several areas - Director of Christian Education, public school teacher, as well as leadership roles in Christian camps and various churches. She considered it an honor to have been asked to write a camp program guide for junior church camps and a Vacation Bible School curriculum. However, most importantly, she valued her role and challenge in being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents is her brother, Y. Michael Yowell, Jr. Those left to cherish her memories are her husband, The Rev. Aldon Elwood Purdham, Sr., whom she married June 17, 1962; son, Aldon Elwood Purdham, Jr. (Lauralyn) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Marilyn Bollinger (Rev. Craig) of Charlotte, NC; sisters, Emily Ruth Brittain (Fritz) and Mary Ann Berrey (Harold); sister-in-law, Betty Yowell; grandchildren, Sonia, Steven and Sarah Bollinger and Jordan, Delaney, Lindsey and Sydney Purdham; and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation: 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 3 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Service: 12 Noon Tuesday, June 3 at St. John’s Lutheran Church conducted by Rev. Rhodes Wooly. Burial will be June 4 at 4:00 PM at Mt. Nebo Lutheran Church, Rochelle, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a church, charity or school of donor’s choice.

Mrs. Elizabeth "Betty" Purdham

April 6, 1931 - May 24, 2014