Helen Smith Purdy

Helen Smith Purdy, 89, of Valdosta, died on Thursday, December 9, 2010, at Smith Northview Hospital. Born and raised in Valdosta Mrs. Purdy was a true Southern Belle. Her mother died when Helen was young and she was raised by her father, the late Oscar Marvin Smith Jr., with whom she loved to play golf, and her grandmother, the late Clara Naomi Graves Smith. After her father's death when Helen was 17, she moved to Atlanta to live with an aunt and uncle. During WWII she worked with IBM and the U.S. Government and she lost two husbands to the war. In 1971, while visiting family in Maryland, Helen met and married William (Bill) Purdy. After retirement in 1977, they moved to Valdosta to make their home. Helen was very active in the community where she was a member of the D.A.R., the Valdosta Country Club and the Bridge Club. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Christian Homebuilders Sunday School Class. Helen was an avid gardener and she loved to play golf.

Survivors are her husband of 39 years, William (Bill) Purdy of Valdosta and her step children, Sandy and John Molko of Avon Park, Florida, Donna Cyrus of Leonardtown, Maryland, Donald Purdy of Newburg, Maryland, Kim and John Kreider of Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, Steve and Wanda Purdy of Lawrenceville, Georgia, James Purdy of Newburg, Maryland; two nephews and their spouses, Marvin & Julie Smith of Valdosta, Gordon & Jane Smith of Atlanta; five step grandchildren, eight step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister in law, Oscar M. and Suzanne Smith and numerous aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Reverend Bob Moon will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Carson McLane Funeral Home on Monday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to First United Methodist Church. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602