Edna Louise Purnell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Edna Louise Purnell, age 90, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at 1:38 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, in Parkway Manor of Marion, IL. She was born on Friday, November 10, 1922, in Marion, IL the daughter of Fred and Anna (Sullivan) Franklin. Edna was united in marriage to Gilbert E. Purnell on Saturday, December 2, 1939, in Charleston, MO and together they shared nearly thirty eight years of marriage until his death on Wednesday, October 26, 1977. She was of the Baptist faith and last attended Parrish Park Baptist Church of Marion, IL. In the past she also was active in and member of the Marion Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 2457, Marion Heyde-Pillow Post Ladies Auxiliary No. 1301 and the Order of the Eastern Star No. 350 of Marion. Edna’s working career was in several of the areas restaurants and in food service for many years. After her husband passed away, Edna attended John A. Logan College and received her Certified Nursing Aid Certificate and later worked at Marion Memorial Hospital for a while in the late 1970’s. In her spare time she enjoyed reading her bible, reading it from cover to cover at least once a year. She also enjoyed fishing and planting her flower garden. Edna enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, always taking interest in their many different activities and enjoying the times they all would gather together. The many memories that were created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gary Gilbert and Kay Purnell of Bertrand, MO; two daughters and one son-in-law, Patricia Ann and Dr. Albert D. Grauer of Silver City, NM and Darleen Purnell of Marion, IL; five grandchildren, Gary Gilbert Purnell of Dexter, MO, Patty Lee Sieck and husband, Steve of Northglenn, CO, Tommy L. Alvarado, IV of Tucson, AZ, Chris Francis and wife, Tina of Goreville, IL and Sammy Francis of Marion, IL, six great grandchildren, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three sisters; Maxine Tregoning, Edith Hanks and Betty Terry. Arrangements for Edna Louise Purnell were entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of visitation for family and friends was on Friday, February 8th from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ron Johnson presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Lori Creamer. Special vocal selections presented during the service were “Amazing Grace”, “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and “It Is Well With My Soul” all by Lori Creamer who accompanied herself on the piano. Interment followed next to her husband in Odd Fellows Cemetery of Marion, IL. Pallbearers were Benny Cohen, Frank Crosson, Todd Russell and Bob Wilson. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “American Heart Association”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Edna Louise Purnell

November 10, 1922 - February 6, 2013