Joe Henry Purnell

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you: he will never let the righteous be shaken." ~ Psalm 55:22

Joe Henry Purnell was born on November 10, 1949 in Kilmichael, MS to Earnest and Louise Purnell.  He was the eldest of eight children born to this union. 

Joe made his transition on Monday, June 25, 2018 at Presence Saint Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, IL.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pleasant Hill M.B. Church in Kilmichael, MS under the leadership of Pastor Samuel Jones.

Joe received his education at Montgomery County Vocational High School in Kilmichael, MS where he graduated in 1968.  Upon graduation, he migrated to Tallulah, Louisiana where he met and later married Emma Reynolds on September 20, 1980.  While living in Louisiana, Joe decided to make the field of agriculture his profession.  He worked faithfully until retiring in 2009.  He decided to relocate to Chicago in 2016 to enjoy family until his earthly departure.

His parents, his sister, Maggie, and two brothers, Charles and Ester preceded him in death.

As Joe takes his final flight to glory, he leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife of 38 years, Emma Purnell; two daughters, Joyce (Bobby) Dunbar and Alfreda (Leonard) Walker both of Tallulah, LA; two sisters, Delinda (David) Daniels of Chicago, IL and Margaret Purnell of Westchester, IL; two brothers, Guy (Lavern) Purnell of Greenville, MS and Eric Purnell of Kilmichael, MS; a special granddaughter, Angela Stroughter of Blythleville, AK; Natasha Daniel, a special niece and caregiver; twelve grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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