Obituary of Kathryn Willis Puryear

Kathryn “Kitty” Willis Puryear, 97, widow of James Brinkley Puryear, died Thursday, May 14, 2020 at Brookdale Assisted Living. Born December 12, 1922, in Gray Court, SC, she was a daughter of the late Townes Willis and Annie Stoddard Willis. Mrs. Puryear was a graduate of Winthrop College. She taught school at Campbell Junior College before moving to Sumter and then taught at Hillcrest High School and Thomas Sumter Academy before retiring in 1988. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teachers’ organization and served as treasurer for 18 years. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, youth advisor, volunteer office worker, and at various times as an Administrative Board member. Surviving are a son, Jimmy Puryear of Williamston, SC; a daughter, Ann Puryear Schultz (Keith) of Sumter; a brother, Carroll Willis of Plant City, FL; a daughter-in-law, Wanda King Puryear of Cayce; four grandchildren, Brannon Puryear Edmonds (Matthew), Michael Schultz, Carmen Puryear Hardee, and Kathryn Puryear Cook (Brodie) and 8 great-grandchildren. Private graveside services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Joseph James officiating. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 226 W. Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150 or to Agape Hospice, 690 N. Bultman Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.