Elsie Mae Manspile Pursley, 77, of Lexington, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007.

She was born December 16, 1929 in Rockbridge County, a daughter of the late Owen Thomas Manspile and Ella Missouri Cash Manspile.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Brenda Pursley; a brother-in-law, Charles Sorrells and a niece, Connie Sorrells.

Mrs. Pursley was a member of the Rapps Mill Church where she served as secretary of the church from October, 1974 through December, 1997 and served as co-sexton with her husband for many years.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Wayland Pursley; a son, Randall Wayne Pursley of Lexington; grandchildren: Michael Wayne Pursley; Amy Lynn Purssley and Jackie Kerr, of Lexington; two sisters: Rosa Lavinia (Sue) Sorrells of Rockbridge County; and Judy Marie Sorrells and husband, John, of Staunton; one nephew, Daryl Sorrells and three special friends: Olivia Gibson, Becky Hughes, and B. J. Devine.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2007 at the Rapps Mill Cemetery, Lexington, with the Rev. Barton Hellmuth and the Rev. Horace Douty officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rapps Mill Church Sunday School or Effinger Volunteer Fire Department. There will be no vistation at the funeral home.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.