On November 23, 2017 God called home Howard Byrd Purvis, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Howard was born to the late Cora and Lee Williams on November 16, 1932 in Williamston, North Carolina. He started on his road to academic success in North Carolina Schools. From there, he continued his education at Booker T. Washington in Norfolk. After high school he matriculated at Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Northern, Virginia. He served as an assistant minister at Queen Street Baptist Church as well as a rector at St. Mark Episcopal Church in Suffolk. Howard was ordained at Grace Episcopal Church by Bishop Bane Jr. on October 2, 1999. He was assigned to Emmanuel Episcopal Church and later became an associate rector. Howard was a truly loving person who had a calming effect on others. Throughout his illness, he never complained. Left to cherish his memories are his devoted wife, Delores Jordan Purvis, sisters, Cora,Marjorie,Eunice May, Patricia and a brother Michael Lee, a son Howard Williams Jr. and a daughter Alicia Terry; Howard was predeceased by a daughter, Pamela Baker. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.