Barbara Jean Purdy Gatton, 52 of Shallotte, NC, formerly of St. Mary's County, MD died peacefully surrounded by her family after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Born March 26, 1958 in Washington, DC she was the daughter of the late Robert H. and Antoinette Purdy.

She was predeceased in death by her loving husband; David Mayor, daughter; Cheri Farrell sister; Karen Purdy, nephew; Jamie Dean.

She was survived by her devoted husband, James Kimberly "Kim" Gatton, her maternal grandmother, Francis Garner, daughter Tina Dillow and son Christopher (Samantha) Mayor both of North Carolina. Also survived by Lynda Purdy, Valerie (Mark) Buckner, Elaine (Chuck) Faust, Robert D. (Maggie) Purdy and Amanda (Jesse Forrest) Purdy. Barbara had 6 grandchildren; Dustin Davis, Sarah Melvin, Amber Farrell, Emily Murphy, Madison Mayor and Ayden Adams.

Barbara embraced each new day with eager anticipation of what it would bring. She gave of herself in the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and will be missed by all who were touched by her example.

Services will be held April 16, 2011 at Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Mary's City at 11:00am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation in memory of Barbara Purdy Gatton at http://www.lesturnerals.org/ or 5550 W. Touhy Ave., Suite 302, Skokie, IL 60077.