Marilyn (Purviance) Ray

Marilyn Purviance Ray, 68, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2023, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS.  Funeral services are 11 A.M. Tuesday,

November 21 with Rev. Charles A. Ray, Jr. officiating.  Visitation is from 9-11 Tuesday at Carrollton Baptist Church prior to services.

Marilyn was born to Hollis and Olive Dinkins Purviance in Canton.  She grew up in Vicksburg, graduated from Vicksburg High School and Hinds Community College. She worked several years with the Corps of Engineers, but most of her career was with the US Fish and Wildlife Service where she met the love of her life, Gil Ray. Marilyn had been a resident of Carrollton for the past 13 years where she was a member of Carrollton Baptist Church and was involved in several church committees. Marilyn enjoyed spending time with her family, watching birds and wildlife, and enjoyed time at the beach.  She also loved spending time with her fur baby “Gus”.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Hollis (Lang) Purviance, II.  Survivors include her husband, Gilbert Ray of Carrollton; daughters, Chelsea Stewart (Michael) of Vicksburg, Jeri Lyn Mamaril (Jason) of Flowood; step- daughters, Jennifer Pearson (Tim) of Arlington, TN, Katie Dugan (Rick) of Carlsbad, CA; sisters, Nancy Neisen (Ray) of Edwards, MS, Meta Jo Purviance of Murfreesboro, TN; a brother, Frank Purviance (Clair) of Utica, MS; and 7 grandchildren, Caleb Stewart of Vicksburg, MS, Chloe and Callen Mamaril of Flowood, MS, Eliza and Malachi Pearson of Arlington, TN, and Hannah and Max of Carlsbad, CA.

Memorials may be made to Carrollton Baptist Church, 113 W Washington St, Carrollton, MS 38917.

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