Betty Joyce Purcell, 85, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on November 13, 2018. She was born on July 2, 1933 in Atlanta, Georgia to Artis and Elizabeth Green, graduated from Brown High School in Atlanta, and married the love of her life, William C. Purcell on August 11, 1951. A consummate Navy wife, Betty was a major force behind the success of her husband’s naval career, residing and traveling throughout the country and the world. She was continuously active in many navy support organizations, including years with the Navy Officer’s Wives Club, Ombudsman Activities, and was a volunteer at the Jacksonville Naval Hospital for many years. She was always actively supportive of military widows. After her husband’s retirement, she remained active in the local Garden Club, the Hyde Grove Acres Beautification Association and volunteered as an usher at The Florida Theater in Jacksonville, where she was honored to be Usher of the Year in 2010.
Betty’s life was devoted to the love and support of her husband, her family, her friends and her country. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Captain William (Bill) Purcell, USN (Retired), her children, Kathleen Denise Washburn, Barbara LynnPurcell, and William Michael (DeeAnn) Purcell, her grandchildren Michael Zachary Washburn, James Talmadge (Jaime) Washburn, William Tucker Washburn, William Blake Purcell, and Dallas Walker Purcell, her sister Mary Josephine (Milton) Davis, and her brother Billy Allen (Brenda) Green. She is preceded in death by her father Artis A. Green, her mother Elizabeth D. Carmichael, and her son-in-law Kevin Wayne Washburn.
A gathering for family and friends will be held at 9:30 am on Monday November 19, 2018 at the Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, located at 7242 Normandy Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32205. There will be an escorted procession to Jacksonville National Cemetery, where a graveside service will be held at 11:30 am, with Reverend Troy Ray of Lakeshore United Methodist Church officiating.
The family is being served by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL PARK and FUNERAL HOME.
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