Norma Marie Conquest

Norma M. Conquest was the seventh child and middle daughter born to Ira Rufus and Sallie Mary Purnell, on January 6, 1925. She was educated through the Worcester County Public Schools. In 1944 at the age of 19, she moved from the Eastern Shore of Maryland to Philadelphia, Pa, where she resided for the next 75 years. In 2019, she moved to Decatur, GA, where she resided with her daughters, until her death. She was raised in the church and accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age, first at her family church, New Bethel Methodist Church in Berlin, MD and later, re-affirmed her faith and became a life-long member at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, PA. She was a great believer in the power of prayer, knowing how the power of prayer could change things and her life was a living example of that. Norma was known to be a plain-speaking person to all who knew her and could often provide a wise and witty rejoinder during her conversations. She would often tell stories about the family, that no one could remember in detail like she could. She was a great believer in the power of family and was proud of the fact that she was one of 12 children. She could relate to many people and counted among her friends, many young people who were half her age. She loved all of her brothers and sisters, but was especially close to her sister Laura, who preceded her in death. Later in her life, she married Earl Conquest, who preceded her in death. As a result of their marriage, she embraced four adult step-children; Diane Conquest, Sheila Conquest, Anthony Conquest and Deborah Conquest, who preceded her in death. With her passing, it marks the end of a generation. Norma transitioned into heaven at the age of 96-years. She outlasted and out-lived all of her 11 siblings, seven brothers; Anthony (Punch) Purnell, William (Bill) Purnell; Joseph (Teany) Purnell: John (Jack) Purnell; Arnold (Dougar) Purnell; Miller (Bobby) Purnell and Phillip (Dump) Purnell and four sisters; Avalon Purnell White; Laura Purnell Powell, Carrie Purnell Russell and Sally Purnell Landrum. You are not alone . . . . “The Lord your God will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs”. Zephaniah 3:17 Norma knew it was her time to depart from this earth and she departed this life peacefully in her sleep, willingly into the arms of her Savior and her family members waiting for her on the other side on May 3, 2021. She leaves fond memories of her life with her three children; Harold Boyd, Gail Graham (Robert) & Gina Crockett; her three remaining step-children, Diane, Sheila and Anthony Conquest. Seven grandchildren: Damien Driver (Tunisia); Maritzia Boyd-Johnson (Mark); Eric Thompson; Robert Graham III, Ravae Graham, Timothy Williams & Terrence Boyd; Nine step-grandchildren; Donald, Reggie, Pam, Tracy, Derrick, Anthony Jr., Erica, Royal, & Dayon. Nine great-grandchildren & one great-great grandchild. Also she leaves fond memories with three sisters-in-laws: Arlene (Bobby) Purnell, Lillie (Dougar) Purnell and Gloria (Dump) Purnell; one brother-in-law, James Landrum; a special cousin Karen (Samuel) Ball, many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many young people who thought of her as a second mother.

Norma Marie Conquest

January 6, 1925 - May 3, 2021