Dinah Lu Purser

No longer bed-ridden, no longer unable to walk, and no longer in pain, Dinah Lu Purser, 67, of Statesville, ran into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

 Dinah was born in Virginia on November 2, 1956, to Cyrus Long Purser and Gladys Jean McKillop Purser. She enjoyed a remarkable 32-year career with the Department of Transportation, where she served as a machine operator. Later, she joined Roadside Environmental as an inspector for contractors. She was a member of East Taylorsville Baptist Church in Taylorsville and served as a Sunday School teacher for the Youth Class and the Young Ladies Class and as a counselor for the Youth Camps. She also worked with local prison inmates and with Forgiven Ministry.

 In addition to her parents, Dinah was preceded in death by her brother Mackie Purser. She is survived by her sister Suzanne Purser Wilson of Charlotte and special caretaker and “sister” Debbie Hartness, with whom she lived throughout her illness. She is also survived by many loving friends and “extended family” members whom she deeply cherished.

 Dinah’s close friends will always remember her for her tremendous athletic ability, her gifts as a gardener, her sense of humor, and her love for horses and dogs. More importantly, they will remember her love for her Lord and her dedication to serving him --- even in the darkest days of her illness. Dinah became a paraplegic three years ago. Despite enduring years of unrelenting pain and discomfort, numerous hospitalizations and surgeries, and many close calls in her struggle, she remained focused on what she saw as her “calling” --- to be an encourager for others facing physical, emotional, and spiritual trials. Dinah did so with grace and tremendous courage and was a wonderful testimony of God’s love, her own never-failing faith, and her belief in the “eternal power of the blood.”

 A service to honor Dinah’s life will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday October 11, 2024, in the East Taylorville Baptist Church Sanctuary. Visitation will take place at the church from 1:30 to 2:45 pm prior to the service. The Rev. Mark Marshall and the Rev. Kevin White will officiate. Burial will be in the Taylorville City Cemetery. 

 Pallbearers will include the following fellow DOT employees: James Burgess, Randy James, Mike Dagenhart, Rocky Millsaps, Robert Chapman, and Bobby Johnson.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Carolina Caring at 3975 Robinson Rd Building 3, Suite A, Newton, NC 28658.

 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Alexander Funeral and Cremation Service.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexfuneralservice.com