Sandra ‘Pat’ Johnson-Purvis
Sandra “Pat” Purvis died unexpectedly March 14, 2026. She was 77. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Friday, Mar. 20, Family Hour, 4-6 p.m., Fairfield M.B. Church, 1162 Dewey Street, Jackson, MS; Celebration of Life service, Saturday, Mar. 21, 1 p.m., St. Luther M.B. Church, 1040 Banks St., Jackson, MS; Repast, Jackson Memorial Funeral Home, 1000 W. Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson, MS.
Sandra Patricia Johnson was born on October 6, 1948, to Frank Johnson and Lovie Mae Morgan at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL. After her mother remarried Charlie Benjamin Ratcliff – a man Sandra affectionately called “Pa” – she came to see him as her father. Pa Ratcliff often traveled between Chicago and Quitman, MS, for work. Sandra spent many years living in Quitman, MS, where her great Aunt Kitty taught her many important life skills and values.
Sandra was introduced to faith at a young age and was baptized at Elwood Baptist Church in Quitman, Mississippi. Her curiosity and passion for words became evident in her school years; she even advanced a grade. At the age of 16, Sandra graduated as salutatorian from Shirley Owens and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Jackson State University (Class of 1969), followed by a Master of Science in Education from Mississippi State University in 1978.
Sandra’s life included marriages to Robert (Bobby) Emerson Wilkerson and later Donald (Richard) Purvis. She was blessed with three amazing children, Angela, Patrick, and Latricia – and welcomed two more – Derrick and Richetta, into her loving home. She also raised her grandchildren, Jasmine and Jamal, embracing them with the same unwavering care. Sandra’s nurturing spirit extended to so many that it felt like she belonged not just to her family, but to the world.
At the age of 20, she began her career as an English teacher. Sandra shaped countless young lives throughout Clarke, Rankin, and Hinds County school districts. She loved to write and had a way with words. It was her gift. To her, education and excelling was a standard and not an option.
Food, fellowship, and family were at the heart of Sandra’s personal ministry. She had a remarkable ability to unite people from all walks of life – students, neighbors, classmates’ families, church members, and even strangers – ensuring everyone felt included. Her generosity created a home where everyone felt welcome, and family trips were open to anyone who wanted to join. Her family understands the value of benevolence because of her. Sandra supported her community in many capacities: educator, cook, baker, counselor, motivational speaker, activist, and, most recently, a cherished snack provider to her grandchildren.
She was deeply involved at Fairfield M.B. Church as a Mother of the Church, organizer of charity events, Mission President, youth coordinator, auxiliary leader, and kitchen coordinator. Sandra was known for her professionalism and grace.
No obstacle deterred her; she exemplified poise, patience, and perseverance. It is impossible to fully express in words the influence she had and the many lives she touched. She was a faithful servant. Though she is no longer with us in physical presence, her legacy of kindness, generosity, and inclusion will continue to inspire everyone who knew her.
Sandra was preceded in death by her father(s) Frank Johnson and Benjamin Ratcliff; mother, Lovie Mae Morgan; great aunt, Susie Magee (Kitty); brother, Stanley Owens Ratcliff; beloved daughter, Angela Wilkerson; and niece, Rachel Medley.
She leaves to cherish memories: her children, Patrick (Shay) Wilkerson of Birmingham, AL; Latricia Wilkerson of Brandon, MS; Richetta (Chika) Okotcha of Norfolk, VA; and Derrick Purvis of Jackson, MS; sister, Sue (Ralph) Medley of Chicago, IL, and brother, Charles Morgan of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Jasmine (Jonathan) Bosley of Jackson, MS, Jamal Wilkerson of Jackson, MS, Patrick Wilkerson II (PJ) of Birmingham, AL, and Payton Wilkerson of Birmingham, AL; special friend, Leroy Cotten of Jackson, MS; great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her light remains steady, warm, and everlasting.
