Lena, born to Alfonzo and Josie Ricks on April 23, 1959, in Drew, Mississippi, was the third of seven children.  She confessed her faith in Christ early and was baptized at East Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Drew, MS, where she served as an usher with her dad.  She attended Drew City Schools and was active in the Future Homemakers of America, the chorus, and served as a library assistant.  During her senior year she was voted friendliest by her peers, a superlative that transcended her school days and remained at the core of her being.  She graduated from Drew High School, attended Mississippi Delta Junior College, and completed her studies with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Delta State University.  She began her teaching career in the Tallahatchie County School District, then worked at the Small World Learning Center in Memphis, Tennessee, but the love of her life, Willie Ray Purvis, was awaiting her in Cleveland, Mississippi.

On April 25, 1987, Lena and Ray wed, and established their home in Cleveland for nearly 32 years.  This union was blessed with two lovely daughters, Olivia Denise and Lauren Janae.  Lena was a loving, caring mother, not only to her children, but also to children throughout the Cleveland School District.  She worked in the school district for over 25 years.  On any given outing around town, there was some child or young adult greeting Mrs. Purvis with a friendly hello and reminiscence of pleasant times spent in her classroom.

Lena joined New Bethel Baptist Church in 1987, and remained a faithfully active member, even attending choir rehearsal on the evening prior to her death.  In addition to serving in the choir, she also showed her deep love for her church by participating in Sunday School and various other church activities.

She was well known among her family and friends for her humor and quick wit, bringing laughter and smiles to any situation.  Her joyful demeanor and zest for life dominated her character, for which she will be remembered fondly as we celebrate the life she lived.

Lena was preceded in death by her father, Alfonzo Ricks, Sr., her mother, Josie Ricks, and one brother, Alvin Ricks.

She is survived by her husband, Willie Ray Purvis; her daughters, Olivia Purvis of Los Angeles, CA, Lauren Purvis of Atlanta, GA; 5 siblings; Linda Peete of Memphis, TN; Evelyn(Royal) Walker of Ridgeland, MS; Angela(Marvin) Moore of Memphis, TN; Alfonzo, JR.(Dilworth) Ricks of Greenwood, MS; Barbara Lisa(Donald) Sims of Greenville, MS; Mother-in-law, Annie Grace Battle of Jackson, MS.