Suzanne B. (Mcpoland) Purdue

Suzanne Bridget Purdue, 86, was promoted to glory January 16, 2023 at her home surrounded by her husband of 63 years and her four children; John Norman Purdue of Dothan, AL; Pamela Dean Glass of Richmond, VA; Kathleen Bridget Edelman of Destin, FL; Annette Kirstin Roberts of Richmond, VA. Mrs. Purdue is survived by husband, four children, fourteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Mrs Purdue attended Ramsey High school in Birmingham, AL; Stephens College for Women in Columbia, MO., and the University of Alabama. Following college, she worked at Channel Six in Birmingham.

Norm and Suzanne first met in high school and were later reunited when she transferred to the U of A. Following a number of years as close friends Norm proposed to Suzanne the summer of 1959 while on vacation in Virginia Beach, VA Suzanne accepted and they were married December 5, 1959.

Over the 63 years they shared together the Purdues made their home in Roanoke, Va., Richmond,VA ,Rocky Mount, NC, Birmingham, AL, and in 2000 retired to Amelia Island, FL where they lived for 16 years. In 2016 the Purdues moved to Dothan to be close to their son John who worked in the surgical department at the Medical Center for 42 years. This also put them closer to their daughter Kathy who lives in Destin, FL.

Norm and Suzanne became deeply involved in teaching God's word to young men and women. First at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL and then as full-time staff for the next 26 years with The Navigators, an international para church ministry that focuses on raising up and training disciples of Jesus Christ on colleges, military bases and in the communities around the world.

While both Norm and Suzanne loved playing tennis, fishing for those big reds and of course, were avid fans of Bama football. However, their primary focus in life was serving their Lord wherever He planted them.

The Purdues are members of The First Presbyterian Church of Dothan, AL. They both were involved in the Community Bible Study ministry both here and on Amelia Island, Fl..

Suzanne was always a shining light for Christ, a faithful friend to many and a humble servant of her Lord. She has now entered her eternal rest in His presence. Visitation for Mrs Purdue will be held at 1pm on February 4th at First Presbyterian Church in Dothan with a memorial service following at 2pm.

The Purdue family has requested that in lieu of flowers to please make contributions to the First Presbyterian Church missions fund and The Hope Group Ministry of Dothan.