Norwood Francis Purnell, the son of the late Elwood H. and Catherine J. Purnell was born in Snow Hill, Maryland on February 18, 1942. Following a long illness, he departed this life on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Tidal Health in Salisbury, Maryland .

As a child, he was a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Snow Hill, MD. His family transferred their membership to Wesley Temple United Methodist Church in Salisbury, MD in the early 70s. He was a member of the Methodist Men, Culinary Committee, and the Church Choir.

Norwood was educated in the Worcester County Public System, where he graduated in 1960 from Worcester High School. Subsequently, he graduated from   Maryland State College, currently known as University of Maryland Eastern Shore, in 1964, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree. During his time at Maryland State, Norwood was initiated in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1962, and later became a Life Member.

In August of 1966, Norwood married the love of his life, Barbara DeLoris Lindsey, of Macon, GA. From that union they were blessed with two sons, Kurt and Danny Purnell.

Norwood began his professional career as a teacher in the Worcester County Public School System. He was later employed by the State of Delaware as an Employment Specialist. Norwood also worked at Ziegler Florist, until his health began to decline.

An avid baseball and softball enthusiast, Norwood dedicated his evenings and weekends umpiring high school and collegiate softball for over 25 years.

Norwood was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Purnell, his son, Danny Purnell, his brother, James Purnell, and his sister Doris Blake.

Leaving to honor his memory are his son, Kurt Purnell (Robin) of Upper Marlboro, MD; three sisters, Pearl and Nellie Purnell of Snow Hill, MD, Catherine Purnell of Baltimore, MD; three grandchildren, Ahnijah Smith of Laurel, MD, Amir Purnell of Marianna, FL, and Carter Purnell of Atlanta, GA; one great grandchild, Londyn Smith of Laurel, MD; one sister-in-law, Veronica Lindsey; three brothers-in-law, Joseph, William and Richard (Geraldine) Lindsey, all of Macon, GA; two nieces, Denise DeShields (Edward Jr.) and Tameiko Taylor (Andre); three nephews, Gregory Purnell, Sr. (Terri), Darren Purnell, Scott Purnell-Saunders (Shequila); and host of other relatives and friends.

Note: Howell & Jolley Memorial Chapel, P.A. will comply with the COVID-19 rules regarding masks and safe social distancing. Therefore, anyone attending the viewing and/or funeral services must wear a mask