Jo Elmyra (Tilson) Purkey, age 87, formerly of Marion passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017 in her son’s residence in Lancaster, S. Carolina.

Jo was born May 11, 1929 in Greenville, Tennessee to the late Bruce and Mattie (Miller) Tilson.  She married William H. Purkey, and he preceded her in death on August 30, 2015. 

Jo worked at Gen Corp as a finishing operator until her retirement in 1989.  She loved southern cooking and Sunday dinners. 

She is survived by a son, Douglas (Jamie) Purkey of Lancaster, S. Carolina; daughter, Tami Barnett of Marion; honorary daughter, Kuba Curtis of Sweetser; honorary sisters, Ruth and P.J. Holmes of Marion; grandchildren, Meghan Purkey, Pensacola FL, James Shrout, CO,  Brian Shrout and Johnathan Shrout, Marion, IN; several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Jo was also preceded in death by a brother, John Tilson; and three sisters, Bonnie White, Ethel Buttenhoff and Jenny Linkous. 

Friends and family may call from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 27, 2017 in Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ronald Hon officiating. 

Burial will be held in Gardens of Memory, Huntington County, Indiana following the funeral service.

Online condolences may be made at www.ravenchoate.com

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