In Loving Memory of Rita Mae Purvis

October 9, 1938 – March 25, 2026

A Life Well Lived

Rita Mae Purvis was born on October 9, 1938, in Washington, DC to the late Mattie and Mince Calhoun. She departed this life on March 25, 2026, at Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland. She graduated from Cardoza High School and went on to start her career as a dietary aide at George Washington University Hospital where she retired with 30 years of service. She spent her retirement years enjoying life doing things she loved such as shopping at the malls, eating out, bus trips to the casino and spending time with family.

Although she was a private person, she got along with everyone that crossed her path. She was a very strong-willed person and always handled herself with grace and dignity. God blessed her with the strength to endure with no pain, for the last 7 years as she lived out her days with kidney failure. She often spoke her mind and would always say “I tell it, like it is”, but to know her was to love her and she will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Rita was preceded in death by her Mother, Mattie Lee Calhoun, Father, Mince Calhoun; Her Sisters, Deloris Harvey, Fannie Calhoun, Mary Alice Murphy, Debra Calhoun; Daughters Tina Calhoun, Tawanna Calhoun; Grandson, Carlos Wheeler, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Husband, Iva Lee Purvis; Sister, Zelda Calhoun; Daughter, Carla Johnson (Chauncey), Son, Tony Calhoun; Grandchildren Shonte’ Drakeford (Lavoisier), Pierre Calhoun, Deonte Calhoun, Jasmine Mcphatter, Tania Calhoun, Tequan Calhoun; Great-Grandchildren Jakari Rhames and Amir Wheeler and other family and friends.

Rita Mae Purvis now lives in eternal peace, her work here on earth is complete.