WAYCROSS — Barbara Ellen Purdom, 78, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, July 12, 2026, after an extended and courageous struggle against myriad health problems.
One of her favorite expressions was, “Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies,” and she fought mightily against various debilitating illn esses until God looked down and said, “Barbara, you’ve struggled enough. Come on home and rest.”
She was educated in the schools of Waycross and Ware County, beginning at Isabella Elementary School until the family moved to the county where she attended Wacona Elementary. She was graduated from Ware County High in 1965. Barbara adored her new friends in the county. Always athletic, she loved nothing more than playing basketball and cheerleading for the Wacona Hornets. Her half-court defense against Waresboro phenom (and family friend) Tina Culpepper burned up the court at the old Wacona Shell.
Very popular in high school, after graduation she attended Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga.
In adult life, meeting U.S. Naval aviator Larry Cook was the highlight of her life for many years. With her husband, she traveled the world living in Rota, Spain and Japan, where she taught English to elementary school children. Returning to the States, she and Larry settled in to life in Corpus Christi, Texas. It should be noted that she married Larry while the Vietnam War was raging. Her husband and future brotherin- law Bob Cloyes both operated the same Phantom jet, with Larry in the front seat and Bob in the front seat. Older sister Judy, now deceased, married Bob and introduced Larry to Barbara.
Among the many adventures of that union was a cross-country flight from San Diego to Waycross with Larry at the controls of his single engine airplane. Many stops were made along the way with Barbara the trusted navigator until they landed at the Waycross Airport.
Years later, Barbara moved to Savannah where she enjoyed a career working for American Airlines. In Savannah she met and married Bob Rushford. The two of them spent many a fun weekend joining in with Beach Music fans. Still later she met Thom Faris, to whom she dedicated her remaining years as they lived peacefully on his horse farm in Ridgeland, S.C.
After Thom’s death, Barbara returned to Waycross where she enjoyed getting re-acquainted with her many local friends who still live in the area. Out of many who meant so much to her, special thanks go to Betty Sue Tuten Tatum, a former classmate who went that extra mile in an effort to help Barbara be comfortable in her later years. Another special friend who preceded Barbara to heaven was Donna Gray Tuten. Donna was from one of Jamestown’s leading farm families and many were the times Barbara visited in their home. During one tobacco season, Barbara was enlisted to help in the picking and putting up, until one day Donna told her, “Barbara, I love you, but you are lazy.”
She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy McQuaig Pur-
Purdom
dom and her father, Lemuel Purdom, along with her sister, Judy Purdom Cloyes.
She leaves to mourn an older sister, Sandra Purdom Byrd Gray (Leonard) of Hernando, Fla., and a younger brother, Larry Purdom of Waycross, along with beloved nieces and nephews including Jason Byrd (Terri) of Bradenton, Fla.; Melanie Byrd Dunnagan, (David) of Leesville, S.C.; Rusty Cloyes (Karen) Austin, Tex., Steven Cloyes (Kristen) Portland, Oregon; and Melinda “Mindy” Cloyes-Jones (Eric) of Glen Allen, Va.
Among several beloved cousins, grand neices and grand nephews, including Patricia McQuaig Mc-Carthy, Jennifer (Dorian) Poulan, Seth and Maureen Dunnagan, Lauren and Stephen Byrd, Noah and Jude Cloyes, Elliana, Seana, and Cooper Cloyes-Jones, and Colin Cloyes. Also, Ed Locklear, a high school sweetheart of Barbara’s who remained a good friend, confidant, and advisor until her demise.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church at a later date to be announced.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
