Barbara DeLoris (Lindsey) Purnell

Barbara L. Purnell, retired Wicomico County Principal, died Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Anchorage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Salisbury.

Born in Macon, GA, she was the daughter of the late Ezekiel and Sadie (Paul) Lindsey.

She was a graduate of Ballard-Hudson High School in Macon.  Upon graduation, she matriculated at Hampton University, Hampton, VA, receiving a B.A. degree in 1961.  She did post graduate studies at Howard University, Washington, DE, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA and Salisbury University, here, where she earned a Master’s degree in education.

Her teaching career which spanned 37 years began as a Social Science teacher (1962-1975) at the former Somerset Jr. and Senior High School in Princess Anne, MD; Special Needs counselor (1975-1978) at J. M. Tawes Vocational Center; principal – Greenwood Middle School in Princess Anne, MD (1975-1988) and principal of Delmar Elementary School, Delmar, MD, retiring in 1999. 

Upon her retirement, Mrs. Purnell became employed as the Academic Counselor and Coordinator of Student Teachers at the former Sojouner-Douglass College (Salisbury Campus).

Mrs. Purnell was a member of Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury.  She was also involved in several organizations within the church and her community.

Her civic involvement included – Wicomico County and Maryland State Retired Teacher’s Assoc., AARP, NEA and Delta Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Her survivors include her husband of 52 years – Norwood Purnell of Salisbury; one son – Kurt (Robin) Purnell of Upper Marlboro, MD; three grandchildren: Ahnijah Smith, Amir and Carter Purnell; a great granddaughter – Londyn Smith, four siblings: Veronica, Joseph, Richard (Geraldine) and William Lindsey; several nieces and nephews.

Her son, Danny H. Purnell died September 13, 2014.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Mills Memorial Baptist Church in Salisbury.  Interment will be in Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron.  Friends may view on Friday evening from 6-8 pm at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church and on Saturday, one hour prior to service.  Fraternal rites will be held Friday evening at 7:00 p.m.

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