Woodrow Purser
Woodrow Purser, 87, passed away Friday at UMC in Jackson.
Visitation will be Sunday from 4pm-6pm at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Hazlehurst. Services will be 11am Monday at Stringer Family Chapel with interment in Hazlehurst Cemetery.
Mr. Purser was born December 18, 1923 in Copiah County to William H. Purser and Sally Knight Purser. At the age of 18 he left Mississippi to serve his country in the United States Army during World War II. Soon after arriving in France, he was captured by the German’s and held prisoner in a German Camp until the war ended. Upon release, he returned to his family and attended Whitworth College. He became an active member in his community, and as always, felt the need to serve others. He began a long career in law enforcement. He was Sheriff of Copiah County, Chief Deputy and longtime Chief of Police of Hazlehurst. He retired after a successful career in the new and used car business. He was a member of the Hazlehurst united Methodist Church.
He love being with his family and he enjoyed be outdoors. One of his greatest joys was being with his horses.
Mr. Purser was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ragland and nephew, Danny Ragland.
He is survived by his wife, Elma Week Purser; daughter, Debbie Purser Donahoe and son-in-law, Andy Donahoe; son, Lance Purser and daughter-in-law, Lisa Weeks Purser; grandchildren, Drew Donahoe (Sarah), Barrett Donahoe, Meredith Donahoe Burch (Jonathan) and Ryan Purser; great grandchildren, Taylor, Mac, Hardy, Lily and Carolina; sister, Mattie Purser Bishop, brother-in-law, Albert Bishop and Niece Sally Bishop Sterling.
Memorials may be made to the Hazlehurst United Methodist Church Building Fund.