Dear Josie Rae,

Although your time on earth was small, your impact was not.

In a matter of three days you surprised so many. Every time doctors and nurses thought the obstacle ahead of you was too much you showed them it was not.

You fought with the strength and heart of a true warrior. Although tiny, you were so fierce and so strong. Backed by the Spirit and touch of God, the power of prayer, and the unimaginable love of your family, you broke the odds. You fought and you won, sweet Josie. Although down here on earth we hurt with the pain of the things we missed out on. The fact that your mother and I won't be able to take you home from the hospital. Not getting to see you blossom into the little person full of love, happiness, and laughter we know you were destined to be. We are reminded that you aren't missing out on any of that.

You are in the arms of Jesus. You're laughing, you're smiling, you're rejoicing in the glory of God in heaven. You are pain free and you sweet, beautiful Josie Rae are whole in the Kingdom of Heaven. For that we are grateful.

Although your time on earth is past, a piece of you will live forever within us. You will never be forgotten and you are forever loved. We love you, Josie Rae Purvis.

Love Mommy, Daddy and River

"Children in Heaven"

I spoke to a robin, who visits my tree. I told him I thought you were waiting for me. He shook his soft head and much disagreed. The children in heaven are happy, you see. They know of no fear; they feel no regret.  They spend the days wrapped in a blissful forget. They're loved much by your ancestors all. They run around playing with sticks and a ball. And the only time children in heaven are sad is when they look down on the life that they had and the people they love, feel no longer alive even though it's not their time to travel this side. So, chin up said the robin, let no more tears fall. Your child is quite free, with her sticks and her ball. She's in no great rush to see you just yet. You've life still to live, and more memories to get. And time may pass slowly, here on the ground, but in heaven its moments and will quickly come round. So let the world turn and let everything be. The children if in heaven, are happy you see.

Your Mom and I spoke with a preacher who witnessed your passing and prayed over you as you went to be with the Lord. He pointed out that you were born March 16th 2025 (3:16) Earlier that week he preached on John 3:16.

John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Although we may only get the short time with you on earth what will keep us going on is knowing that we have an eternity with you.

Visitation will be held from 10:00am - 11:00am on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside services will be held at 11:30am at Bethel Cemetery in Flora, MS.