Faye Beth Purifoy, 73, of Orange, Texas, passed away on October 20, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with cremation to follow. Officiating will be Darrell Segura.
Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Woodville, Texas, on July 15, 1951, she was the daughter of L.B. Howard and Lela Hodges Howard. In typical southern fashion, she was called by her first and middle name. Faye Beth was a vibrant individual who embraced her interests with enthusiasm. The youngest of six children, she was a free spirit from the beginning. Her childhood in Woodville was spent roaming the woods barefooted until her sisters rounded her up to go home. She later moved to Cove and then Bridge City where she was a proud graduate of the Class of 1969. She loved going to reunions and regularly visited with classmates. Though her children wore green and gold, she was a Cardinal through and through.
Professionally, Faye Beth made her mark as a hairdresser in her younger years, showcasing her creativity and talent. She spent many years at The Final Touch in Bridge City alongside her salon family and clients. Later in life, she took great pride in her work at Frey's Nursery, where her exceptional green thumb flourished. Her most recent endeavor as an interior painter with JT Construction gave her great joy in her role as the matriarch on job sites. Faye Beth had a unique ability to nurture not only plants but also the relationships around her, creating beauty in both nature and the lives she touched.
She had a passion for live music, often found attending concerts and music festivals where the sounds of Red Dirt and Texas Country would fill her heart with joy. Her last night on Earth was spent at a benefit concert to raise money for veterans and special needs children. Many on the music scene knew her as Momma Dawg, a nickname given by one of the many young people she and Eddie took in over the years. Their home was always open to those who needed a meal, a hug, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to listen. She was always the first to volunteer for causes dear to her heart including helping animals in need. She looked forward to the annual Claybar Grands Lemonade and Cookie Sale to raise money for local animal rescue. Her compassionate nature extended to every person and creature she encountered, reflecting her kind-hearted spirit.
Another celebration of her life was her affection for Mardi Gras, a time when she embraced the vibrant festivities and culture with zeal. She was an original member of the Krewe des Amis de la Rue and rarely passed up an opportunity to dress up for balls or don a costume for the parades and parties.
Perhaps more than anything, Faye Beth cherished her role as "Mamaw" to her grandchildren and relished every moment spent with them, cooking and baking, spending time outdoors, attending school events, watching many dance recitals, and cheering at countless games. Her spirit and encouragement illuminated the stands and sidelines, and no one could whistle like her. They are all better people for having her in their lives.
Faye Beth lit up a room with her smile and she was the life of the party. She was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, L.B. Howard and Lela Howard Morris; stepfather D.T. Morris; her husband, Eddie Purifoy; her sister, Maggie Johnson; her brother, Kenneth Howard; and step-brother Donald Morris.
She is survived by her daughter, Melanie Huckabay Claybar and husband, Lannie II of Orange; her sons, Brad Huckabay and wife, JJ of Temple, Todd Purifoy and wife, Nicole of Navasota, Ben Purifoy and wife, Erin of Houston, and Jeff Woodard of Austin; her grandchildren, Britni, Brad, Kylie, Garrett, Jakin, Colten, Annabelle, Caroline, Sawyer, Adelaide, and Mason; her 6 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Sybil Mitchell, Bert Teal, and Deanie Berry; and numerous other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Indian Springs Camp in Kountze or Traci’s Texas Tails.