Mrs. Florence Morris Pursley, age 93, entered into rest on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Flo was born in Cameron, South Carolina to the late Jerome Morris and Florence Genoa Wilburn Morris. She was a homemaker, a nurse, and leader in her churches and her communities. As a homemaker, she supported her husband in his work as the Superintendent of Gracewood State School and Hospital assuming much of the responsibility of raising their ten children. She was active in the Richmond County Medical Society Auxiliary for more than 50 years and was the oldest living Past President. As a graduate of the University Hospital Barrett School of Nursing, Flo went back to work in 1969 and retired from University Hospital following 25 years of service as a registered nurse. She was an active member of Barrett School of Nursing Alumnae Association. Her love for humanity continued beyond the walls of the hospital and into the community. In Augusta, she was an active member of Trinity-on-the-Hill United Methodist Church supporting numerous church activities especially Children’s Vacation Bible School. She volunteered with the Richmond County Extension Service as a teacher in support of the 4-H Club Programs. Along with her husband, she was a founding member of the Richmond County Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) and a founding member of the Augusta Reading Foundation. Following retirement, the Pursleys moved to Lincolnton where they became active members of Lincolnton United Methodist Church and she was a champion for the Lincoln County Historical Society. In 2006, she was selected “Mother of the Year” by Lincoln County Family Connections. Simply stated - Flo was a loving and benevolent matriarch.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Dorothy June Pursley; brothers and sister, Jerome Morris, Martha Ann Burckhalter, and Wilburn Morris.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of nearly 71 years, Norman B. Pursley, M.D. of Lincolnton; nine children, Suzanne Pursley-Crotteau, Ph.D. (Gary) of Lincolnton, N. Brundage Pursley, Jr. of Appling, George C. Pursley, M.D. (Brigid) of Augusta, Cathy C. Cooley of LaGrange, Claire Pursley-Watson (Aaron) of Lincolnton, William S. Pursley (Kathleen) of Seneca, South Carolina, Louise P. Waters (Norman) of Lincolnton, Elaine P. Myers (Jack) of Augusta, and Alice P. Woods of Lincolnton; sisters and brother, Mary Alice Lockhart of Aiken, South Carolina, William A. Morris M.D. (Glenda) of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Iris M. “Risa” Newsome (Kenneth) of Lincolnton; 23 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and twenty nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 until 12 noon on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Platt’s Funeral Home Belair Road. They will continue to greet friends immediately following the service.
A Celebration of Flo’s life and service will take place at 12 noon on Saturday in the Chapel of Platt’s Funeral Home. Reverend Deborah Griffith and Dr. Randy Kanipe will officiate. Private interment will be at a later date in the family plot at Clinton United Methodist Church Cemetery near Gray, Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Lincoln County Historical Society, P.O. Box 869, Lincolnton, Georgia 30817; or to the Lincolnton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 85, Lincolnton, Georgia 30817.