Pearl Hattie Purnell

PEARL H. PURNELL, daughter of the late Andrew and Hattie Dickerson, was born on June 1, 1929 in Pocomoke, Maryland. On Friday, January 12, 2018, God dispatched an angel to her room (101) at Anchorage Health Center in Salisbury, Maryland. She answered His call after a brief illness. Pearl was educated in the public schools of Worcester County, graduating from Stephen Long High School in 1944. Pearl held various jobs during her life. Her jobs were few because of traveling throughout the United States as well as overseas locations such as Okinawa, Japan with her military husband, Oliver (deceased June 21, 1996). Pearl and Oliver wed on September 2, 1952. They were blessed with a daughter, Brenda. Reared in the church from an early age (Tindley’s Chapel), and after Oliver’s retirement, they settled back to Pocomoke City. It was at that time, Pearl joined Macedonia Baptist Church and faithfully served for more than forty-five years. At Macedonia, Pearl joined the Gospel Choir and sang beautifully and melodiously with her soprano voice. Pearl walked a Christian life. You would never hear her speak negatively about anyone. She was a mentor without having to utter a word. It was through her acts of kindness and her spiritual demeanor that set an example to all of how one should live. Pearl loved her family immensely and would always be waiting for pictures. She had a “giggle” that would have you laughing. She would giggle, extend her hand, and yes, wait for pictures! She enjoyed cooking and looked forward to her daughter and family visiting so that she could prepare a delicious meal. Her annual Christmas dinner was a favorite pastime that she proudly prepared and served. Pearl leaves a void in her loved ones’ hearts. Left to celebrate her life are: her loving daughter, Brenda (John) Campbell, of Dumfries, VA; two grandsons, Jaye Tyrone (Lissette) Purnell of Woodbridge, VA and John Wesley (Madelyn) Campbell II of Springfield, VA; one granddaughter, Carmen Booker of Fredericksburg, VA; five great-grandchildren, Desean, Melina, Markeith, Marquise, and Maurice. Pearl leaves one best friend, her sister, Beatrice Jones of Pocomoke, MD; one special daughter, Sandra Nock of Pocomoke, MD and two special friends, Louvenia Phillips and Esther Robbins, both of Pocomoke, MD. Also cherishing Pearl’s life are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her deceased husband and parents, Pearl was preceded in death by ten 10 siblings—Glenmore, Selbert, Beulah, Alice, George, Clifford, Willie, Elwood, Dorothy, and Norris. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pearl Hattie Purnell, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Pearl Hattie Purnell

June 1, 1929 - January 12, 2018