Betty Purdy Whitney

Betty was born April 11, 1935, in Loudon, Tennessee to Paul and Ruth Purdy. Even in the days of dementia, she always lovingly spoke of her Tennessee family and home. Her first job out of high school was being selected to be a file clerk for the FBI in Washington D.C. She always had a love for Florida though and had an opportunity to come to Jacksonville. Through mutual friends, she met Lieutenant Commander Donald D. Whitney, at the auto races on Lenox Avenue. He requested her telephone number from their friends and so a lifelong relationship began. Betty worked in her home to make it a loving place for her husband, daughter and grandchildren to whom she was wholeheartedly devoted. She loved and enjoyed her relationships with her sister and brothers as well as dear lifelong family and friends. She was very thankful to her parents and loved all her Purdy and Whitney family. Betty loved to read and study the Bible as well as listening to Christian radio programs. She had a heart for mission projects and actively supported the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Operation Christmas Child was very special to her, and she came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior through a televised Billy Graham Crusade in 1964. Betty enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for children, led ladies Bible Studies, and used her creative abilities to decorate for church banquets and events. She was very creative and artistic with a wonderful ability to take simple things and make them beautiful. She was amazingly resourceful, faithful, sweet, yet straightforward. Betty was a woman who could inspire and give strength. In her later years, she lived with dementia with graciousness and continued to love her family. Betty would want us to reflect on her favorite verses, John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” and John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Whitney Worley, two grandchildren, Elisabeth and Jonathan Pappas, her sister, Pat Barr, her brothers, Jim Purdy (in heaven together now), Ray Purdy and Bob Purdy as well as many nieces and nephews.

A sweet remembrance gathering will be held in April 2026 in honor of Betty as her birthday and Easter will fall in April and she loved to celebrate them together. A private interment was held at Gethsemane Gardens, Trinity Baptist, Church, on August 15, 2025. If desired, in lieu of flowers: a memorial contribution to Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child or for the Crusades) or to the Trinity Rescue Mission are gratefully appreciated.