Blanche Elizabeth Furniss Purnell, 93 died Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD.

Born in Eden, MD, she was the daughter of the late Harry Jacob Furniss and Queen Elizabeth (Parsons) Furniss.  Her late husband, Dr. Elmer A. Purnell died in 1995.

She was a graduate of the former Salisbury Colored High School.  Upon graduation she matriculated at the former Princess Anne Academy, now the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics.  In the 1950's she received a Master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia.

She taught home economics at the former Maryland State College, now the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.  She also taught night classes in adult education at the former Salisbury High School.

She formerly owned and operated the former Deb Shop, a dress shop in downtown Salisbury.  She and her husband were the original owners Green Acres Memorial Park for over 40 years.

She was a faithful member of Wesley Temple U.M. Church where she served on the United Methodist Women, Board of Trustees and co-chaired on the finance committee, and was active with their noonday prayer.

Her civic involvement included: former basilius, and lifetime Golden Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Chapter; educator and supporter of the Department of Human Ecology; treasurer of the Senior Bowling League and the PanHellenic Council of the Eastern Shore; member of Companions, a social and philanthropic club for women; member of the Carpenter's Club of Habitat for Humanity; member of NAACP; member of the Democratic Club.  She served on the Wicomico Library Board of Trustees; former trustee for the Wicomico Senior High School Advisory Board; volunteer for Joseph House; member of Salisbury High School Alumni and lifetime member of the National Association for the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.  She was involved in numerous other activities and initiatives.

Her survivors include four daughters: Yvonne Frye of Randallstown, MD; Renee Purnell of Copenhagen, Denmark; April P. Chapman of Salisbury, MD and Cherie (Michael) Hill of  Denver, CO; three grandchildren: Shanti (Paula) Chapman, Adana (Stephen) Cengeri  and Alexander Hill; five great-grandchildren; two godchildren: Paige L. Glaze, Jr. and S. Monique Craig; an aunt: Lucinda Parsons, several nieces and nephews.

Eight siblings preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church where friends may view on Friday evening, February 6, 2015 from 6-8 pm and on Saturday, one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be in Green Acres Memorial Park.

Fraternal rites will be held 7:00 pm, Friday at Wesley Temple United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore
in memory of Blanche F. Purnell.  1324 Belmont Ave, Suite 401, Salisbury, MD. 21804

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