Mattie “Viola” Robinson McKelvey, 89, of Tifton died Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011, at Tifton’s First Assembly of God. Dr. William Hancock will officiate with burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Ricky Manders, Mike Delk, Michael Delk, Thurman West, Mike McBrayer and R. B. Delk will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 13, 2011, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Mrs. McKelvey was born on November 25, 1921 in Ripley, Mississippi and was the daughter of Lawrence E. Robinson and Claudia Robinson, both deceased. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Roy Franklin McKelvey, Sr.; her second husband, Auston Cecil Purvis; and four brothers, Travis Robinson, Lee Burton Robinson, J. L. Robinson and Gene Robinson. She was retired from TCDI, where she taught kindergarten. She was a member of Tifton's First Assembly of God.
Mrs. McKelvey is survived by one son, Roy McKelvey, Jr. of Lagrange; one daughter, Brenda Moon of Douglas; one brother, Mancil Robinson of Ray City; and three grandchildren, Frankie McClendon, Sandi McClendon and Tabitha Renee McKelvey.