Davaris Jamel "Dee" Purnell

Davaris Jamel “Dee” Purnell was born November 28, 1992 to Carolyn Hemphill-Purnell and Guy Purnell in Greenville, MS.  He was the second twin and the last of three born to this union. Dee transitioned to his heavenly home after receiving his calling from God on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at University of MS Medical Center, Jackson, MS.  Dee was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Earnest and Louise Purnell.

He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in 2001 at the Young’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Duck Hill, MS under the leadership of Rev. Charles E. Reaves.  He served as a member of the youth choir and as a junior usher.  In Dee’s latter years, he frequently attended Campbell High Missionary Baptist Church.

He was educated in the Winona Public School System in Winona, MS and graduated in May 2012.  He continued his education at Holmes Junior College in Goodman, MS and received his certification in Welding and Industrial Technology.  At the time of Dee’s sunset, he was employed as a Welder at Screw Conveyor in Winona, MS.  

Dee was considered as the life of the party and was loved by many. His infectious smile and humorous spirit brought joy to the lives he touched.  He blazed his own path in life.

He leaves to forever cherish his fond memories: his parents, Carolyn H. Purnell of Winona, MS and Guy (Lavern) Purnell of Greenville, MS; two brothers, Anthony Purnell of Delray Beach, FL and his twin brother, Javaris Purnell of Winona, MS; a half-sister, Jasmine (Aaron) Jefferson of Atlanta, GA;  a nephew, Anthony Purnell, Jr.; his maternal grandparents, John Albert and Erma Dean Hemphill of Winona, MS; four aunts, Delinda (David) Daniels of Chicago, IL, Margaret Purnell of Oak Park, IL, Beverly Butts (Randy) of Winona, MS and Shelena (Patrick) Johnson of Olive Branch, MS; four uncles, Joe (Emma) Purnell of Chicago, IL, John Hemphill, Jr. of Winona, MS, Curtis Ervin of Greenville, MS, and Eric Purnell of Kilmichael, MS; his god brother, Zantrell Simpson of Hattiesburg, MS; his longtime girlfriend, Cortesia Baker of Winona, MS; a special first cousin who was more life a brother, Jacori Forrest of Winona, MS; a special friend, Lee McCloude, Jr. of Winona, MS; and a host of other cousins, great aunts, uncles and friends.

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