Elizabeth P. Gay
WAKEFIELD—The Rev. Elizabeth P. Gay, former pastor of Mount Zion AME Zion Church, Lawrenceville, died Oct. 5, 2008, at Obici Sentara Hospital Suffolk.
She was born March 7, 1948, to the late Joseph and Deloise Purdie.
Mrs. Gay attended school at L.P. Jackson High School in Dendron and worked as a child care provider at Mars AME Zion Daycare.
She preached her trial sermon on March 12, 1989, at Mars Hill AME Zion, under the leadership of the late Rev. E.L. Forbes.
Survivors include her husband, Richard E. Gay of Wakefield; a stepson, Lee Clary; a stepgrandchild, Lee Clary Jr.; a daughter, Cheryl Purdie; two brothers, Everett Purdie and Joseph Purdie Jr.; two sisters, Estelle Purdie and Jacqueline Hill (Reginial); one grandchild, Damian Purdie; four Goddaughters, Sharon Gay, Sonja Eley, Tamara Barnes and Sharvonda Roberson; two Godsons, Carlton Lankford Jr. and Kendall Roberson; devoted friends, Gracie Hill and Everlyn Sulmer, both of Wakefield.
The family wishes to thank all the staff of Obici Sentara Hospital and Sister Ruby Allen.
A funeral service was held Friday at Mars Hill AME Zion Church, Wakefield, with the Rev. Benjamin Petway officiating.
Interment followed at Mars Hill AME Zion Church Cemetery.
Family may be contacted at (757) 899-5405.
Services were handled by the staff of Peace-Bland Funeral Home Waverly.
You may send condolences to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.