It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Laveta Purvis, nee Smith, a wonderful woman full of spirit and life, who left this world on May 15, 2024, in Bakersfield, CA. Laveta touched many hearts with her famously warm smile and compassionate nature.

Laveta is survived by her children Sheryl Barton, Jerry Purvis, and Glenda Purvis, and her granddaughters, Elizabeth Flores, Crystal Ellis, Alexandra Tapia, and Rachel Davis, and her sister, Arlene Fanny Watts, nee Smith.

Born in Kilgore, Texas March 27, 1937, Laveta was the fourth and last child of Nancy Fern Wilkerson Smith and Cardwell Brethette Smith. Her family was one of the last stragglers of people in the great Okie migration that happened after the tragic Dust Bowl in the 1930s. The family initially stayed in McFarland, CA, then moved to Taft, CA. She attended Bakersfield College after graduating high school from Newbury Park Adventist Academy in 1955 and met and eventually married Virgil Purvis, the father of her children. They divorced in 1963. Laveta worked as a medical transcriptionist for 50 years.

Laveta had two loves – piano and her family. She studied piano for 10 years when she was a young girl and continued throughout her life honing her skill. It became more difficult as she became older and more accomplished to find teachers who could accommodate her needs. She finally had her first recital at the age of 58 where she played the technically challenging “Rustles of Spring” written by Christian Sinding. Aside from recitals, Laveta could be found at the church piano every Saturday, playing hymns for the congregation, and coordinating special musical events at senior homes, Christmas programs and most anything else where she could showcase her talent.

Her family meant the world to her, and her favorite activity with them was eating out at one of her many local haunts. Mexican food was generally the order of the day, with Sinaloa’s restaurant being her go-to place from the 50s through to the 80s, where she then discovered LaTapatia. When a restaurant was out of the question, she would whip up her rendition of Manhattan Clam Chowder made with Vegetable Skallops or Vegeburger Marzetti, both big hits even with the carnivores!

As an avid reader, she always had several tomes lying about her place, face open with a pen on it so she could make annotations or highlight a favorite passage. Her lifelong journey of faith was strengthened by studying the Bible, as well as works by Ellen G. White. Her favorite fiction writer was the “philosopher of the forest” Sam Campbell. But entertainment wasn’t all serious. Laveta enjoyed broad comedy and adventure, with her favorite TV shows including Evening Shade, The Three Stooges, and Ice Road Truckers. Her favorite movie was Men In Tights, and a tie for second place was Young Frankenstein and What’s Up Doc?

She loved a good game of dominoes, often playing for hours. A follower of the Los Angeles Dodgers, she had a passion for baseball and subscribed to Sports Illustrated magazine for years. Her least favorite issue was the annual swimsuit issue! Her favorite way to stay active was a leisurely walk, appreciating the simple pleasure of movement.

Laveta loved to get out and about. Her favorite vacation spot was wherever her car could take her, which was usually Morro Bay. When her daughter lived in England, she was able to visit her several times and she hopped over to the continent for side trips there also.

We celebrate her journey, cherishing the joy, wisdom and love she brought into our lives. Laveta Smith, your spirit and laughter will forever reside in our hearts.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/laveta-smith/obituary/

Copy