Doris Jones Puryear

Doris Mae Jones Puryear, 89, passed away in Mebane, NC on October 26, 2024. Doris was born on May 18, 1935 in South Boston, VA to Herbert and Bettie Jones. The fifth of six children, Doris grew up surrounded by her brothers and sisters on a farm in rural Halifax County. She was crowned Miss Halifax County in 1954 and graduated from Halifax High School that same year.
When she was eighteen, she met the love of her life, Sam Puryear of South Boston, VA. After Sam’s tour of duty in Korea, the two were married on February 22, 1955. Together, they first moved briefly to Bowling Green Kentucky but soon settled in Richmond, VA, and started their family. They brought all three of their children, Richard, Kelly, and Beth, home to live in a house in Chamberlayne Farms where they raised them to love Jesus, dogs, good music, and family.
In 1987, Doris and Sam moved their family to Danville, VA where they built a life deeply rooted in their community. Doris enjoyed fellowshipping with her new friends, often traveling on golfing and shopping adventures. An avid card player and bowler, she was part of groups and leagues that kept her busy, even once bowling a perfect 300 game. Throughout her life, Doris worked as an administrative assistant at various places, including Congressman William M. Tuck of Halifax County.
Doris was devoted to two things in her life: her faith in Jesus Christ and her family. She was an active member of her churches in Richmond, Danville (Christian Heritage), and Raleigh (LifePointe Christian Church). A loving mother and proud grandmother, she spent her time serving as a room mother, field trip chaperone, cub scout and brownie leader, and full-time chauffeur to her three busy children. Later, nothing brought her more joy than her role as “Grandma Doris” to six grandchildren. As she would also proudly tell you, she was also, “Great-Grandma Doris” to two precious great-granddaughters.
Doris is survived by her family: daughter, Kelly Downing and her husband, Rob of Hillsborough; daughter, Beth Ohmann of Myrtle Beach, SC; and daughter-in-law Ronda Puryear of Standardsville, VA. She is also survived by six grandchildren – Angie (Brett) Bartles, Kate (Stephen) Colvin, Laura, Sam and Emma Downing, and Drew (Morgan) Ohmann – and two great-grandaughters, Mary Kate Bartles (4) and Ellie Mae Colvin (4).
Doris was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Sam, and her son, Richard, as well as her siblings, James Jones, George Jones, Richard Jones, Lois Murray, and Rubye Snyder.
The family will receive visitors at Brooks Lyon Funeral Home, 115 Main St., South Boston, VA on Friday, November 1, from 11:30 to 12:00 with graveside service to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Please plan to join us afterwards for lunch and fellowship at Main Street Bar and Grill, 221 Main Street South Boston, VA.
The family wants to thank Gentiva Hospice for their gentle loving care during our time of need as well as all of the staff at Mebane Ridge Assisted Living.  We will always remember you.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Brooks Lyon Funeral Home is honored to serve the Puryear family and offers online condolences by visiting their website, www.brookslyon.com or by going to their Facebook page.