Berlin – Marie G. Purnell, 93 died Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Gull Creek Senior Living in Berlin, where she had been a resident since 2010.

Born in Selbyville, she was the daughter of the late Susie Marshall and Amos Townsend.  Her late husband, Joseph Purnell died in 2006.

Mrs. Purnell received certification as a pre-school teacher from New York University.  She was employed as a teacher at a New York City Daycare for over twenty years, retiring in the early eighties.

While living in New York, she was a member of Salem United Methodist Church in Harlem, NY. She relocated to Berlin in 1985 and transferred her membership to New Bethel United Methodist where she was a member of the choir.

Her survivors include three children: Marietta Purnell of Manhattan, NY; Joseph (Sandra) Purnell of Patterson, NJ and Allen Purnell of Snow Hill, MD; three grandchildren: Lamar (Lavonne) Douglas, Keisha Staton and Joseph (Neke) Purnell, Jr.; seven great-grandchildren, a brother and sister-in-law: Phillip (Gloria) Purnell and Norma Conquest, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A sister preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017 at New Bethel U.M. Church in Berlin, where friends may view one hour prior to service.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.