Peggy Elaine Purvis Willis, 88, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at
Wesley Place in Dothan, Alabama after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 88.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 10, 2025, at Searcy Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with Tim Willis officiating. Burial will follow at Damascus Baptist Cemetery with Searcy Funeral Home & Crematory directing. The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. to service time at the funeral home.
She was born on July 28, 1937, in the Damascus Community near Elba, Alabama, where she spent her childhood, and would go on to graduate from Elba High School in 1955. Peggy was defined by her loving heart, her strength, her steady work ethic, and her devotion to her family. Her favorite memories to recount were those from her early life at home and in the cotton fields, and as a young mother tasked with raising 4 boys. Thankfully, she took the time to share these stories with family and friends, alike. For many years, Peggy was a devoted homemaker, dedicating her life to raising her children and caring for her home. When life changed and she found herself needing to provide on her own, she stepped forward and in 1977 became one of the first women to serve in the security force at Farley Nuclear Plant. She went on to retire from Southern Company with pride in the work she accomplished.
Peggy was to become a woman of deep and enduring faith. A member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Dothan, she was active in the Mary Carpenter Sunday School Class until her health failed. She was a faithful prayer warrior and found great joy in serving through the nursing home and senior ministry, offering gentleness, encouragement, and Christ-like compassion to those who needed it most. In her quieter moments, Peggy could often be found reading a book or working a crossword puzzle; small pleasures that brought her peace and contentment. She found her greatest joy in the presence and accomplishments of her grandchildren, celebrating each milestone and cherishing every visit.
Peggy’s life was marked by quiet courage, steadfast, unique love, and a faith that
endured through every season. As we remember her, we give thanks for her strength, her tenderness, and the legacy she leaves in her children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. Her story continues in the lives she shaped, and her memory remains a light for her family.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Merle Purvis, and her
daughter-in-law, Bonnie Willis.
She is survived by her children, Neil Willis, Dr. Joel Willis (Cheryl), Richard Willis (Cindy), all of Dothan, Alabama, and Rev. David Willis of Panama City, Florida. She was lovingly known as “Granny” or “Granny Peg” to her grandchildren: Ben Willis (Shannon Hulon), Jessica Vivone, Rickelle Lewis (Shaun), Hilary Willis, and SSgt (USAF) Samuel Willis (Nicole); and to her great-grandson, Raylan Willis, who each brought her special joy. She is also survived by her sister, Phyllis Adkison; nieces Tracy Whittaker, and Amy Lako (Steve); and many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.
You may sign the register book or send condolences to the family at our website: www.searcyfuneralhome.com.
