Mary Ellen (Petrea) Purser Broome

Mary Ellen Petrea Purser Broome, 79 of Kannapolis died March 21, 2023, at the Greens of Cabarrus after a period of declining health.

A graveside service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in China Grove, at 3:30 PM Sunday, March 26 and her family will receive friends at Whitley’s Funeral Home from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Sunday before the graveside service.

Mary was born May 26, 1943, in Cabarrus Co., the daughter of the late Gurley R. and Era Rodgers Petrea. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband, Johnny Purser and her brother Jerry Petera. She was a lifelong area resident and graduate of A. L. Brown High School. In early years, Mary worked for Cannon Mills Plt# 1, later she worked for various restaurants, including West A Grill.

Those who cherish her memories include her sons, Lamont Purser, Derrick Purser (Mary) and her daughter, Rhonda ”Sissy” Whitlow (Skip) and her brothers, Ray Petrea  and John Thomas Petrea (Connie), all of Kannapolis. Mary is also survived by her grandchildren, Thomas and Sarah Purser and Mark Whitlow, as well as a number of great-grandchildren.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfh.com