FRANKLIN — Helen Grace Purvis (affectionately known as Sis, Miss Helen, Ms. Purvis, Granny, by her family and friends), was the daughter of the late James R. Vaughan and Helen Jenkins Vaughan. She was born on Aug. 30, 1935, in Whittakers, North Carolina. Mrs. Purvis peaceably passed away at her home on Tuesday, May 3, 2016.

She was raised in Franklin, Virginia, and attended Hayden High School. She then migrated to New York City and attended Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing. Helen also spent two years as a student nurse in Los Angeles, California. After this stint working as a nurse, she then started a 26-year-career as a business service representative with the New York Bell Telephone Company currently Verizon.

Miss Helen enjoyed her retirement years traveling and attending numerous Broadway shows. Most of all, she enjoyed shopping. She moved back to Franklin in 1996 and attended to her mother until her passing in April 2000. Helen was a sensitive, kind-hearted, giving person and was all about her family.

Helen was the proud mother of two daughters, Chiquita Ann Williams (Michael) of Lemon Grove, California, and Theressa Purvis Myrick (William) of Franklin.

She leaves to cherish her memories a granddaughter, Keisha Purvis Bailey (Gregory); great-grandson Daquan Bailey; great-granddaughter, Daeja Bailey, all of Franklin; sister, Shirley Vaughan of Smithfield, Virginia; brothers, James Vaughan (Ida), Bobby Vaughan, Johnny Vaughan of Franklin; Joseph Vaughan (Octavia) of Wappingers Falls, New York; George T. Vaughan (Vernice) of Trenton, New Jersey; Makalani Dingane (formerly known as Arthur Lee Vaughan) of Hampton, Georgia; a host of loving, affectionate nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and her family friend, Dr. Alvin Harris.

Special thanks to our longtime neighbor and caregiver, Mary Gainey; caregivers Sarah Branch, Elizabeth “Turkey” Boone, Shelia Reid, Jackita Walton, Jackie Walton; her Sentara nurses, Angela Burris, Amy Salyers and Brittany Gary.

A celebration of life was held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 9, in Move of God Church, 221 S. Main St., Franklin. Apostle Tyrone Hart is the host pastor. The committal and benediction were held in Southview Cemetery.

A traditional service with dignity was conducted by Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Inc., 224 S. Main St.

Please share condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.