Obituary for Vernice Purdie Holloman (Purdie)
Vernice Marie Purdie Holloman known affectionately as “Bigmama and Marie”, born to the late Laura Green Purdie & James I. Purdie in Ivor, VA Southampton County. She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin C. Holloman, her children, Larry Purdie, Shirley Johnson, Phyllis Williams, her step-mother Georgetta Purdie, and grandson Kelvin Purdie. She entered into eternal rest on Monday August 17, 2020 at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital after a short illness.
She was a dedicated church member for over 75 years at Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Missionary, Adult Choir member and Treasurer of her Sunday school class. Marie loved the Lord and praised God in every way. She was a humble and nurturing woman of God.
Marie (Bigmama) was a woman of few words but was always willing to help others. She was always hospitable and opened her home to many. Marie adopted many and if she didn’t adopt them they adopted her as a mother, grandmother, or Godmother and she loved them as her own. She was a pillar in her community. She was recognized as the Norfolk Police Department’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. She was celebrated by her family, friends and the community.
Marie (Bigmama) lived a life loving her children, grandchildren, beloved great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She held special moments with her family through holidays, family gatherings, cookouts, and birthdays. Marie had the skills of a master chef and would prepare large feasts. She would often fix the kids favorite dishes such as fruit jello salad, macaroni salad, collard greens, broccoli & cheese casserole, lasagna, coconut pie, sweet potato pie, banana pudding, black walnut pound cake and much more. She would also make dishes and pies for other people to have for their holiday dinners, and for our family reunions. She enjoyed reading, playing bingo, and other games with her family and friends.
Marie (Bigmama) leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Howard Johnson (Fratitus); two sister-in-laws Bernice Williams and Dorothy Stith; one daughter Charlotte Williams; 4 grandchildren Christopher Brewer (Zina), Lisa Lowe (Greg), Brian Purdie, Natalie Calabrese (Harold); 20 great- grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of relatives, friends and extended church family.
She was a dedicated church member for over 75 years at Shiloh Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Missionary, Adult Choir member and Treasurer of her Sunday school class. Marie loved the Lord and praised God in every way. She was a humble and nurturing woman of God.
Marie (Bigmama) was a woman of few words but was always willing to help others. She was always hospitable and opened her home to many. Marie adopted many and if she didn’t adopt them they adopted her as a mother, grandmother, or Godmother and she loved them as her own. She was a pillar in her community. She was recognized as the Norfolk Police Department’s 2019 Citizen of the Year. She was celebrated by her family, friends and the community.
Marie (Bigmama) lived a life loving her children, grandchildren, beloved great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She held special moments with her family through holidays, family gatherings, cookouts, and birthdays. Marie had the skills of a master chef and would prepare large feasts. She would often fix the kids favorite dishes such as fruit jello salad, macaroni salad, collard greens, broccoli & cheese casserole, lasagna, coconut pie, sweet potato pie, banana pudding, black walnut pound cake and much more. She would also make dishes and pies for other people to have for their holiday dinners, and for our family reunions. She enjoyed reading, playing bingo, and other games with her family and friends.
Marie (Bigmama) leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Howard Johnson (Fratitus); two sister-in-laws Bernice Williams and Dorothy Stith; one daughter Charlotte Williams; 4 grandchildren Christopher Brewer (Zina), Lisa Lowe (Greg), Brian Purdie, Natalie Calabrese (Harold); 20 great- grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and a host of relatives, friends and extended church family.