Purlena lived for 87 years in Freeville, New York before moving to Maryville in 1995 with her daughter and son-in-law. She enjoyed her last years at Asbury Place in Maryville.

Purlena is predeceased by her husband Cornelius "Neal" Grays and daughter Betty, sister Anna Chandler and brother William Chandler.

She is survived by twin daughters Connie (William) Evans of Maryville, TN and Carol (James) Gerow of Liverpool N Y, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Also by special friends George and Edith Clark of Dryden, NY, their children and grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden NY on Monday March 24, 2008. Calling hours will be 1 to 2 PM followed by funeral services at 2 PM. Burial will be at Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden, NY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fairview Methodist Church in Maryville, TN at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hearing and Speech Foundation, 334 S. Washington St, Maryville TN, 37804 or Freeville United Methodist Church, Main Street, Freeville NY 13068.