Nathaniel Lee Purnell Sr.

Obituary Nathaniel Lee Purnell, Sr. was born on December 21, 1949 to the late Laura Ann Purnell. Along with his mother, he was raised and loved by three loving and caring aunts, Leaberta Showell, Annie Showell and Hattie Showell Henry. He departed his life on earth on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland. Nathaniel received his formal education from the Worcester County public school system and graduated with the class of 1968. He served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 where he eared a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam. Nathaniel was wed in holy matrimony to Alberta Gates on January 31, 1998 but they were together in love since June of 1987. Nathaniel was formerly employed at the Clarion Fontaine Bleau Resort in Ocean City, Maryland as the Director of Security. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather as well as a pillar of the church and community. Nathaniel was a member of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Bishop James L. Eure, Jr, where he was ordained as a Deacon in June 2007. Prior to his transition, he was a member of the Victory In Praise Outreach Ministries, under the leadership of Pastor Shiree Gates. Nathaniel was under Maryland Jurisdiction, Bishop Paul R. Harmon and the Delaware Jurisdiction, Bishop Thomas L. Holsey, Supt. Theodore Jones. He lived a saved and Holy Ghost filled life in the Lord. His love for others led him to be an advocate for those in need. Nathaniel had considered becoming a Prince Hall Mason long before he actually sought membership. He petitioned to join Lincoln Lodge# 53, was accepted, entered, passed and then on April 15, 1978, was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Working through the chairs, he was elected Worshipful Master in 1984 and served honorably until 1986. He was also a charter member of Abulahab Temple #4 of Baltimore. Traveling up the York Rite, Nathaniel was a former member of Luther Jackson Chapter #22 of the Holy Royal Arch Masons and St. Joseph’s Commandery #2 of the Knight’s Temple. Nathaniel loved being a member of Abulahab Shrine Parade United, traveling the East Coast. He is lovingly remembered by: his wife, Alberta Gates-Purnell; two children from a previous marriage, Nathaniel Lee Purnell, Jr. and Natosha Purnell; two step children, Robert Lee (Crissie) Gates, Jr., Pastor Shiree Gates, grandchildren; Naomi Bolden, Jason Tyler Whitney, Makala Diszhenger, Ah’Mya Diszhenger, Saniyah Purnell, Jermaine Smith, Teja Sykes, Chavon Hutley, Byron Gates and Devonte Purnell; eight great grandchildren; siblings, Elder Edward Purnell (Leola), Cheryl Dale, Thomas Purnell and Darlene Sessoms (Willie); one aunt, Hennie Purnell (Boyd); three brothers-in-law, Bishop James Eure, Jr., John Milbourne (Gail) and Gregory Milbourne (Katie); three sisters-in-law, Sarah Dobbins (Bruce), Rachel Polk (Jeffery) and Mary Eure; a devoted friend, Gregory Purnell and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. In addition to his mother and aunts, Nathaniel was preceded in death by two brothers; Roland and Wendell Purnell, one brother-in-law, Clifton Dale and one grandson, Pierre A. Smith, Jr. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nathaniel Lee Purnell Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Nathaniel Lee Purnell Sr.

December 21, 1949 - August 14, 2018