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Lorna Jean Purnell, woman of faith

September 5, 2019

Lorna Jean Purnell, 62, of Millsboro was born May 1, 1957, to Cora Alberta Turner and the late Earl Francis Purnell. She went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. Lorna was known as “Mutton” to most; others referred to her as “ L.J.”

Lorna was an awesome mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend! She was a woman of faith and belief. She went to Sussex Central High School. Her favorite tv show was Perry Mason; favorite sports were wrestling and let’s not forget her football team, Washington Redskins! If she missed an episode of her daily soap opera, she relied on her son Christopher to keep her updated, lol. Some of her favorite foods were watermelon, cucumber, tomato and onion mix as well as picking greens with her mother. This strong, fun-loving woman will be sorely missed, especially at all events, at fish fries and yard sales, and her cooking (mac n cheese), her dancing and singing.

Lorna was a caregiver for most of her life. She worked for First State Community Action. She loved and enjoyed her patient, Mrs. Barbara. Lorna (Mom) was a person that even in her own pain, made herself available day or night without a complaint. She always looked for the light in a difficult situation. If you knew her you knew she loved you. She loved being around her family, friends and all her grandchildren.

Lorna is survived by her three children: sons Christopher E. Purnell and Terrence V. Purnell, and daughter Tamaro Thompson (Lamarr);  her mother Cora A. Turner (Wilbert); four brothers, Nathaniel Purnell (Rose), Tim Purnell (Doris), Micheal Purnell and Marvin Purnell (Betty); two sisters, Marlene Reed (Paul) and Felicia Purnell; three aunts, Marie, Doris Wilson and Betty Burton; 13 grandchildren: Katyra Duffy, Reanna Ervin, Joslyn Guy, Daquan Purnell, Christopher Purnell Jr., Lamarr Thompson Jr., Lamarcus Thompson, Iszaiah Purnell, Ashton Donaway, Avery Donaway, Jayda Owens, Jamesha Owens and and Na’rysha Bailey; three great-grandchildren: Aa’Nyah, Naheim and Nasir; three dear-at-heart children: Michael Hope, Shanell Bailey and Chavon Bailey; four best friends referred to as sisters: Darlene Upshur, Brenda Hall, Darlean Preston and Lavenia Savage; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Special thanks to her CNA Rhonda Russell, Sister Donna Reid, Minister James Reid, Sister Alice Blackwell, and Mother Cartwright for being so supportive and assisting with the care of our mother. We will always be grateful and thankful for the smiles you put on mom’s face in her time of distress. May God continue to bless each of you. Thank you all for the prayers, text, and visits.

Lorna was a soldier and a fighter! On the day that God called her home, she was at peace and she had won the battle! Celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1 p.m., at Pentecostal Church of God, 9163 Green Top Road, Lincoln. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to service. To offer words of comfort, or sign the guest book visit http://www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional service entrusted to Bennie Smith, Millsboro.

 

 

 

 

                                       

 

 

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