Marilyn Louise Purvis

Marilyn L. Purvis, 76, of Plainfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 20, 2025. She was born at home on August 31, 1948, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Gerald and Hazel (Cooksey) Tipton. She married J. D. Purvis on December 23, 1967, in Ottumwa, Iowa. They had two daughters and a son, Brandy, Abigail, and Giacomo. Surviving are her husband, J.D. Purvis of Plainfield; daughter, Brandy (Dan) Kientzel; daughter, Abigail Wallace; son, Giacomo Purvis; grandchildren, Tyler Purvis, Elijah Purvis, Oliver Purvis, and Jonah Purvis; brothers, Robert (Sandy) Tipton, Cliff Tipton, Kenneth (Teresa) Tipton; sister, Margaret (Lucio) Chapa; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dennis Tipton.

Marilyn graduated from Ottumwa Senior High School in 1966. Marilyn was an award-winning photographer of children and families. She knew how to capture moments. Her vision and signature trademark was in photographing children in vintage settings. What she created and gave to others with her talents and passion will continue to positively impact all who knew her. She received a Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America, Inc. and the prestigious Photographic Craftsmen award.

After thirty years of having a photography studio and doing freelance photography, Marilyn enjoyed a second career that spanned twenty years with Follett Educational Services. Marilyn's warmth and energy were genuinely infectious, and she was equally admired for her wholehearted generosity. For fifty-eight years as the wife of an avid car collector, Marilyn enjoyed attending various automotive and antique events around the country. Marilyn set a fine example of faith until her death, sharing with others the Bible’s promise of a future free from suffering and sorrow.

She was a dedicated member of the Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Plainfield, where a memorial service will be held at the Plainfield Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 15827 S. Frederick Avenue, Plainfield, IL 60544, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The memorial service will be live-streamed via Zoom on the following link:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/89342141245?pwd=YnI2dm1PVmVFT3JZNHBoZmM5K0c0Zz09

Meeting ID: 893 4214 1245

Passcode: Marilyn