Jo L. Purvis, born in Bogalusa on May 1, 1926, died Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Canon Hospice, an Ochsner affiliate, in New Orleans.

She was an active member of Superior Avenue Baptist Church in Bogalusa. She served for many years as the director of Washington Baptist Associational WMU. She was chairperson of the Washington Parish Literacy Council and was a member of the Ingleside Literary Society and active in several community endeavors.

She had a lifetime passion for literacy, English as a second language and social ministries. She served in numerous regions of the United States with her husband, who was a Southern Baptist minister in both local churches and in administrative positions with the convention. Wherever she lived she found causes and needs to address. She taught English and developed literacy programs in many communities. She engaged in social ministries with Navajo Indians, Southeast Asian refugees and needy groups where she found them.

She is survived by one son, Charles R. Purvis Jr.; one grandson, Benton McKenzie Purvis; one sister, Bobby (Buddy) Green; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Charles R. Purvis Sr.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 19 at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The funeral service will take place Friday at Superior Avenue Baptist Church in Bogalusa at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Clay Norwood officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Superior Avenue Baptist Church.

To view and sign online, visit www. pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.