Cochran - Winona Giddens Purser, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, after bravely battling illnesses for many years. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 7, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. in Union Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Sam Tate and Rev. Ryan Vargas officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Nona, as she was known to friends and family, was born on April 11, 1955, in Dublin, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Julian and Ina Peacock Giddens and was preceded in death by her sister Tawana. She was the youngest of four children, spent a happy childhood in Eastman and was a graduate of Dodge County High School. She grew up helping her father on his farm, as a result, and carried a love of growing vegetables and flowers her entire life. For many years she maintained a large and impressive garden that supplied fresh food for months on end. Nona was also a wonderful cook; she always impressed with her "Southern Cooking" and it was a point of pride that her family and friends always left the table full and looking forward to her next meal. Her daughters celebrate every Christmas with Nona's legendary sausage balls and use her recipes throughout the year, knowing that the resulting dish will never be as near as good as their mother's. Nona married the love of her life, Leon Purser in 1998. She and Leon enjoyed many happy years together, traveling widely in the various campers they owned. They visited much of the country in this manner with their beloved dog Molly at their side, taking many trips to visit Leon's son Matthew and his family in Oklahoma. They also spent many happy weekends at bluegrass festivals and at events held by the Shriners of which Leon is a member. When the two of them were not on the road, Nona tried to spend time with her friends and fellow members of the Red Hat Society. Leon was a tireless and loving caregiver for Nona in her later years, faithfully standing by her side as she endured numerous illnesses. Nona raised two daughters whom she loved dearly. She instilled common sense, a strong work ethic, and a respect for all people in both, and she was extremely proud of their accomplishments and the fine women they became. Known as Mimi to her grandchildren, Nona loved watching them grow and mature. She loved spoiling them by cooking them their favorite meals (fried okra was always the number one request), letting them drive her golf cart, sleep in the camper and enjoy her pool. She enriched their lives immensely and her spirit will live on through them. Nona was an optimist with a sharp sense of humor; she took pleasure both in major life events and in the simple pleasures of daily living. She loved spending time with other people and took joy in gently ribbing her family and Leon. Nona was a dedicated member of Union Hill Baptist Church where she had a great number of friends who were of great comfort to her and Leon these last few years. She had a strong Christian faith, and in her last days took comfort in knowing she would soon reunite with her beloved parents.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Leon Purser, two daughters Jen Jordan (Lawton) and Jess Doering (Heidi), a stepson Matthew Purser (Lindsay), eight grandchildren (Lawton and Cokie Jordan, Gage, Casen, Aylor, Holt, Dru, and Boyd Purser), two brothers: Shannon Giddens (Carol), and Randall Giddens (Ivy), several nieces and nephews and various other members of her extended family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or donorrelations@shrinenet.org

The family is at 111 McVay Dr., Cochran and will greet friends Monday from 10:00 A.M. until time for the service at Union Hill Baptist Church, 812 GA Highway 126 E, Cochran, GA 31014.