Phyllis Taylor Purser, 91, died Tuesday morning, July 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 29,1935 in Union County to Rommie and Lela Taylor.

Visitation will be held from 6:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Holland Funeral Service, 806 Circle Drive, Monroe, NC 28112.

Services will be held from the graveside at 3:00pm on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Union Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 3619 Morgan Mill Rd, Monroe, NC 28110. 

She married the love of her life, Marshall “Ray” Purser on December 24th, 1953. They began their life together and resided in Union County for the remainder of their life. She loved gardening, baking and serving her family with all her heart. There was never anything she would not do for those she loved.

Mom was happiest when the yard was full of young people playing basketball in the backyard. Beach trips were always something to look forward to because she always included nieces and nephews to make sure that they enjoyed the trips also.

Phyllis kept many children in her home either getting on the bus or for their parents to work. They all meant so much to her and she loved watching them grow up. Phyllis was loved by many nieces and nephews that were truly like her own.

Later in life, her mother Lela, at the age of 87, fell and broke her hip and came to live with her where she lovingly cared for her the next 11 years of her life.

Her husband Ray had many health-related issues in his later years and again mom stepped up to care for him until he passed away because of colon cancer.

Later mom’s dementia became bad enough that she required round-the-clock care and her four children and their spouses rallied around her in a service of love to support her for the next four years of her life so that they could fulfill her desire to remain in her home until her passing.

Throughout her life, Phyllis’ love and devotion to her family was unwavering. Her faith in her Lord and Savior sustained her through all the trials in her life.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Rommie and Lela Taylor, her loving spouse, Marshall “Ray” Purser and her brothers Carroll Taylor and Everette Taylor.

She is survived by her four children, Michael Purser (Connie), Cynthia Fowler (Mike), Tim Purser (Lynn) and Angela Tetrick (Dave). Grandchildren Rachel Hession Purser, Jason Fowler, Daniel Purser, Katie (Corbyn) Gilmore, Payton Mills, Morgan Barr (Jared) and Megg Lail. Great grandchildren Kylee Fowler, Caroline Fowler, Hudson Barr and Oakley Barr.

The family would like to sincerely thank the caregivers that assisted in the care of their mother, and in turn became family, Karen Rushing, Phyllis McGee, Daphney Blount, and Henrietta Melton. Their love and support made the journey with dementia much easier and for that we are forever grateful. They were truly mom’s friends for life in a very difficult season. The family is also sincerely thankful for the kindness and comfort given by the truly caring staff at Atrium Hospice in Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Grove Primitive Baptist Church or Atrium Hospice of Union County.

Holland Funeral Service is serving the Purser Family.