Sarah Elizabeth Purvis Farmer passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2026 surrounded by the life and memories she had built over the years.

Known affectionately as “Grandma” by family, friends, coworkers, and many others whose lives she touched, Beth was one of a kind. She was strong-willed, fiercely loyal, quick-witted, and never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. But behind that toughness was a woman with a tremendous heart who loved deeply, cared for her people, and would do anything for someone she considered family.

For more than 20 years, Beth served with Pender and Union Rescue, where her coworkers became much more than coworkers—they became a second family. She was known for looking after the crews, including feeding them many home-cooked meals. Her chicken and pastry became especially memorable, along with the laughter, stories, and friendships that came with it. To many of those she served alongside, she simply became “Grandma,” a name she wore proudly.

Beth also gave many years of her time volunteering with the Boy Scouts, sharing her love of the outdoors with others. She was happiest outside—camping, walking through the woods, looking at plants, searching for artifacts, and simply enjoying what could be found along the trail or shoreline. She had a natural curiosity about the world around her and appreciated the simple things that others would pass by without noticing.

She was also an animal lover through and through. Her furry companions held a special place in her heart, and there is little doubt they will feel her absence too.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Daryl Oscar Purvis and Jacqueline Juanita Craft, and her younger brother, Stevie Purvis.

She leaves behind her longtime companion of more than 35 years, Doug Bledson; her son, Andy Farmer, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Farmer; her brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Amy Purvis; her sisters, Debbie Purvis and Kimmie Purvis; Kimmie’s significant other, Andy, and their daughter, Sara; as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren plus lots of nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members, friends, coworkers, and members of the rescue community who loved her dearly.

Beth wasn’t the type to offer “fake sunshine.” If she loved you, you knew it darlin’—and if she thought you needed setting straight, you probably knew that too. She could be sweet, stubborn, funny, tough, and tender, sometimes all in the same conversation. As one longtime friend so fittingly described her, she was a true Southern “pistol” and that was a big part of why so many people loved her.

Her family, her rescue family, her friends, and all those who knew her as Grandma will miss her dearly. The stories she leaves behind, the people she cared for, the meals shared around a table, and the lives she touched will keep her memory alive for years to come.

Grandma it is not good bye but we will see you later; you were deeply loved and you will be missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Baptist Church, 320 Military Cutoff Road, Wilmington, NC 28405.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Guest Book below.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171