NEWPORT NEWS—Lavinia Jane Purdie Glass, 97, died Dec. 22, 2007, at St. Francis Nursing Home.

Mrs. Glass was married to Fern D. Glass Sr. for 61 years when he died Jan. 3, 2004.

She was born Sept. 17, 1910 in Ivor to James Walter and Lula Johnson Purdie. Born into a family of six brothers and sisters, she was the second eldest.

She was predeceased by her husband; two sons, John and James; son-in-law, David J. Crocker; six brothers and four sisters.

She attended Southampton County Public School system and later studied nursing at Virginia State College. She worked in York, Pa. before returning to Virginia to work at Ft. Lee. It was there, that she met and married her sweetheart, SSgt. Fern D. Glass of Pennsylvania.

After his tour of duty during World War II, they chose to live in Ivor, where the Purdie family lived.

She was a faithful member of New Branch Baptist Church where she served as deaconess, Sunday School teacher and choir member.

She served her community well, providing for the elderly, sick, bereaved and the needy.

She lived her life according to the scriptures, whatsoever you do, do as unto God. Her summers were filled with gathering fruit and vegetables for canning or freezing.

Survivors include a son, Fern Glass Jr. and wife Charlotte of Hopewell; two daughters, Carrie G. Crocker of Yorktown and Lula J. Glass of Woodbridge; sister, Mary P. Bailey of East Orange, N.J.; five grandsons; five granddaughters and 10 great-grandchildren.

A homegoing service will be conducted today at 11 a.m. at New Branch Baptist Church, 8140 Proctors Bridge Road, Ivor. Pastor Frank L. Aikens Sr. will conduct the service.

The family will meet at the church at 10 a.m.

Crocker Funeral Home Inc., Suffolk, is in charge of arrangements.