Donna Jean Purser

Donna Jean Purser (née Grafe), age 68, passed away peacefully at her home in Holly Springs, Mississippi, on October 12, 2026, at 8:13 p.m., surrounded by the family she adored. She fought a courageous and fierce three-year battle with stage 4 endometrial cancer that ultimately spread to her brain, fighting with every ounce of her strength to stay here for the family she lived for.

Donna was born on March 15, 1958, to her late parents, Max and Dorothy (Johnson) Grafe. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Walls, Mississippi, and went on to work for many years as a dedicated Service Coordinator and Bookkeeper for Briggs Equipment and Barlow World.

More than anything, Donna was defined by her radiant faith. She was an extremely faithful Christian, the likes of whom are rarely seen. Jesus Christ was her everything, alongside her family. She was the absolute epitome of selflessness, generosity, and loving devotion. Donna was a proud attendee of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, and her life was a beautiful reflection of God's love.

Donna’s greatest joy was being with her family. She loved going fishing, reading her Bible, shopping at flea markets and antique shops, and spending time with her beloved dog, Snicker (Snickers) Doodles. She lived to attend every school, band, dance, football, and any stage event for her children and grandchildren. She was famously the loudest and proudest cheerleader in the crowd, making sure they always heard her love and support from the stands.

A profoundly vital part of Donna’s journey was her daughter-in-law, Lori Leigh Purser, whom Donna lovingly called "Baby." Lori was absolutely instrumental to Donna's fight against cancer. She took her to nearly every doctor and chemotherapy appointment and stayed by her side through every single minute of her suffering. Donna and her family could not have walked this difficult path without her. Towards the end, when the suffering was at it’s worst, Donna would call out, “Where’s my baby?! Where is she?! I need her to hold my hand, I need her to be with me!” Lori answered that call every time, holding her hand through it all, while also selflessly managing Donna's finances, hospice care, and all of her funeral and cemetery arrangements.

Donna is survived by her beloved husband of many years, Robert Anthony Purser; her three children, Derick Alan Purser (and wife Lori Leigh Purser), Ashley Marie Martin (and husband William Martin), and Brandon Max Purser; and her four cherished grandchildren, Kyle A. Purser, Braden Martin, Lauren Martin, and Garrett Martin.

She is also survived by her devoted brothers, Lewis Roberts, Jerry Roberts, Kenny Grafe, and Max Grafe.

Donna was joyfully reunited in Heaven with her parents; her sisters, Barbara Ann Hasslebeck and Ignatia "Netty" Whatley; and her brothers, Clinton Grafe, David Grafe, and Phillip Grafe.

Family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday, October 18 at Family Funeral Care 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN. A graveside service will be at 1:00pm on Monday, October 19 at Memphis Memory Gardens 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Rd, Memphis, TN.