Rebecca Simpson Puryear

Wadesboro - Mrs. Rebecca Simpson Puryear, age 71, known to her friends and family as Becky, died Friday, May 6, 2016, at Ambassador Health and Rehabilitation. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in First United Methodist Church with Dr. Sarah Kalish officiating. The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. and other times at the home in Wadesborough Place. Born in Winston-Salem on December 2, 1944, Becky was a daughter of the late Ollie James and Glenora Crews Simpson. She grew up in the small community of Kernersville and finished high school at East Forsyth in 1963. Becky received her Associates degree from Louisburg College in 1965, her B.A. degree from Pfeiffer College in 1967, and a Master of Library & Information Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 1993. As both a teacher and librarian, Becky worked many years in the Anson County public school system before retiring in 1996. A lifelong Methodist, she was a member of First United Methodist Church, Wadesboro, for forty-three years, taught Sunday School many of those years and enjoyed playing in the handbell choir. Becky loved sewing and all kinds of needlework, especially smocking. She was an avid bridge player, though her favorite game was Solitaire. She loved to read, travel, visit with friends, and spend time with her loving family. Becky is survived by her loving husband, George Puryear of the home; four children, Stephen Puryear (Melissa) of Cary, Ethan Puryear (Erin Ann Ritter) of Richmond, VA, Andrew Puryear (Leigh Ann Powers) of Greenville, SC, and Katherine Black (James) of Harrison, NY; and three grandchildren, Sydney and Abby Black of Harrison, NY, and Alice Puryear of Richmond, VA. Also surviving is a sister, Betty Sue Briggs of Walnut Cove; brother-in-law, Ronald Chandler of Mt. Gilead and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Becky was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Max Briggs of Walnut Cove; and a sister-in-law, Frances Chandler of Mt. Gilead. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 118 E. Morgan Street, Wadesboro, NC 28170. Visitation First United Methodist Church Monday May 9th, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm 118 E Morgan St. Wadesboro, NC 28170 Memorial Service First United Methodist Church Monday May 9th, 2016 2:00pm 118 E Morgan St. Wadesboro, NC 28170