Gay Purdy

( October 20, 1941 - May 01, 2021 )

Gay’s children wish to inform of her unexpected passing on Saturday, May 1st, 2021 at her daughters’ home.  Gay was 79 years old.

Gay’s entry into this world came early, (premature) on October 20th, 1941.  Gay was the first child of Lucine and Ina Dell (Kimbler) Bryant, (both deceased) of Adair County, Kentucky.  It has been said that Gay was tiny enough to fit in a man’s shoe box, and with no crib available, slept in a dresser drawer.  Despite such a rough beginning, Gay proved over and over again that she could overcome many obstacles in life.

Gay was followed by seven siblings, Dan Bryant, Joyce Bryant (deceased at age 12 ½), Shirley (Dave) Lawson, John Bryant, Ted Bryant, Randy Bryant (Corrina), and Robert Hadley (Kaelyn).  Gay developed a motherly and protective role to her siblings that continued in adulthood with phone calls made on a regular basis.

Gay’s family moved from Kentucky to Indiana for a promising and better way of life.  Gay remained behind, due to her yearlong hospitalization associated with a bronchial/lung condition that resulted in the removal of ½ a lung.  Gay persevered yet again and eventually joined her family in Indiana.

Gay was a very active student at Edinburgh High School, graduating with the class of 1960.  Gay enjoyed attending Edinburgh Alumni’s yearly banquets as well as the occasional class potluck dinners.  Gay enjoyed having classmates meet at her home for reminiscing as well.  Gay was very proud of her Edinburgh classmates and closeness that they shared.

Gay was fortunate to experience and meet as a young child, a Sunday School Teacher who provided a positive impression and brought the Lord’s word to her.  Gay’s love of Jollity United Methodist Church and its church family is enormous.  Gay served in many capacities at Jollity and was always willing to do anything to share the Lords word.  Gay particularly enjoyed the chicken noodle dinners, garage sales, pot-luck dinners, VBS, United Methodist Women’s group and Christmas plays as well as many more activities at church.  

Gay recently received in 2020, her 60 year membership award for participating in the Bartholomew County Purdue Home Extension program.  Gay belonged to the future Grandmothers Chapter.  Members have since become great-grandmothers.  Gay has shared with her family the wonderful memories of meetings, trips, community service and the testament to real friendship.

Now, to the love of her life and purpose, FAMILY:  Debra (Ron) Anderson of Bargersville, Rick L. Purdy of Franklin, Michael (Janet) Purdy of California and Marvin (Meggan) Purdy of Greenwood.  In addition, Gay has an honorary second daughter of 40 years, Laura Purdy of Columbus. 

Gay has expressed immense joy when mentioning her grandchildren: Brandon (Jessica) Purdy, Christopher Purdy (deceased), Derrick Corley (Holly), Angela Pine (John), Devon Purdy, McKinley Purdy, Abigayle Purdy, Destiney Purdy, Morgan Purdy and Landon Purdy.  To become a Great-Grandmother added additional happiness to her life: Amira Purdy, Preston Corley, Calyx Purdy, Nathan Corley, Tristan Purdy, Carmyn Purdy, Elijah Purdy, Zaidyn Purdy and Grayson Purdy. 

Gay also enjoyed her family grand-dogs, Muncie, TaTa, Brody, Colby Jack, Sophie and Oreo.  They weren’t allowed on her lap or furniture, but she would spoil with treats.

Friendships were so important to Gay and cannot go without mentioning her BFF, Jan Sells of 60 + years.  She always expressed the blessings of having such true friends in her life.

Gay’s children will continue to pay forward her loving and kind nature.  She is already missed terribly by those who love her.  She gave her family many memories to reflect on and they will be cherished forever such as, her homemade pies, cookies, holiday dinners, games and overall support of each family member’s interests. 

Gay’s children are forever thankful for her love, hard work and guidance in directing them to be good and productive human beings.  It brings joy knowing that Gay reached her ultimate destination of reunification with loved ones gone before her and to be with her Lord and Savior.