Mrs. Benzena Dargan Purvis passed on Wednesday February 1, 2023 at the Trellis Hospice Support Center.  Mrs. Purvis was born June 7, 1929 in Darlington, S. C. to the late Fred and Flossie Patterson Dargan.  She was married to James J. Purvis on February 8, 1947 whom preceded her in death.  She has resided in Winston-Salem since 1947.   Benzena was first employed as a LPN at Kate Bitting Reynolds Memorial Hospital and is a retiree of Forsyth Stokes Mental Health Center.

She is member of Goler Memorial AME Zion Church for over 60 years, where she was very active as a Deaconess, Parent Body Missionary Ministry, noon day Bible study and former Usher.  Mrs. Purvis is a Past Worthy Matron of Beauty of the West #36 OES and an Honorary Past Most Ancient Matron of Duck Lassiter Court #15 Heroines of Jericho.  Was a member of the Red Hatters Society and the Hanes Hosiery Seniors Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a daughter Vernola P. Jackson. And grand dogs Tikki and Abraham.  Mrs. Purvis is survived by her children, James L. Purvis, Ontario, Calif.,  Barbara P. Martin, Randolph Purvis (Darlene), Rozena P. Matthews (Gary) all of Winston-Salem and Minister Marjorie P. Douglas, (Junius), Knightdale, NC.  Son-in-law, Charles Jackson, Sr.  grandchildren Shevonne Martin, Christopher Lyles, Sr. (LaToya) Maurice, La., Monte' Purvis (Kelli), Charles Jackson, Jr., Charlotte, NC, Aaron Douglas and Adam Douglas, Atlanta, Ga. And Rodney Purvis (Tremona) and 5 great grands, Sister-in-law Carrie Davis, Richmond, Va., Brothers-in-law, Roosevelt Purvis, Tony Zinnerman, Kenneth Zinnerman, Richmond, Va. and Thomas Purvis of Willingboro, New Jersey; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Ms. Krishauna Amos who was a great caregiver and Trellis Supportive Care. Thank you to her special friends Mrs. Victoria Williams,  Mrs. Esther Kato, Rev. Paul and Mrs. Virginia Thombs, Mrs. Mozelle Lampkin, Rev. Dale P. Sneed, Mrs. Gladys Phifer.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 noon Thursday February 9, 2023 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church. The family will receive friends from 11am-12:00 pm at the church. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. A public viewing will be held Wednesday February 8, 2023 from 12pm-6pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Goler Memorial AME Zion Deaconess Board.

Parking for Goler Memorial Church will be available at the Innovations Quarters parking lot at 6 ^th and Patterson Avenue.