Life Sketch for Ola Jones Purnell

Ola Beatrice "Bee" Jones Purnell, the daughter of the late Sewell "Bo" Leamon Jones and Cleora Jones Parker was born on September 16, 1936 and closed her eyes peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Berlin Nursing Center in Berlin, Maryland. Ola was born in the Selbyville/Williamsville, Delaware area. In her early childhood, the family moved to the Berlin, Maryland. Ola was educated in the Worcester County Public School Systems.

Instilled into her at an early age, Ola learned the work ethic of "a good day's work, for good days' pay" from both of her parents. As a child, she enjoyed helping her father make holly wreaths for the community and delivering them to the neighbors.

She enjoyed cooking and baking along with her mother. Ola became known for her "slicks," which are dumplings, pound cake and homemade ice cream with the "secret recipe" shared only with her mom. We thank her for blessing us with that skill that gives us memories even now.

She was employed at Harrison House in Delmar, Delaware. Later she worked at the Commander Hotel and Dunes Manor in Ocean City, Maryland until retirement.

Her Church life was particularly important to her. Williams AME Church in Newark, MD was the "Home Church" for Ola. There she was a part of the Usher Board and the Missionary Board. She was proud to serve the Lord and lend a helping hand to others. She shared the love of being on the Usher Board with her brother, James. As he was the Head Usher at his church. They would have "talks" about the dos and the don't's and the proper attire to be an Usher in God's house.

The outdoors and the love of animals were both her passions. Hunting , Planting, and Harvest season gave her joy. Ola would love to see the hunters come each year and would let them park their vehicles in her yard. She would love to see the land being planted and tended. Seeing the farmers reap the harvest from their hard work. Her daily outdoor strolls with her cats gave her time to appreciate God's country and the beauty of it all.

Ola's personality was one of a kind. She was a feisty lady yet with a sweet and gentle aura about her. Her eyes would sparkle, and the corners of her mouth would cause the biggest smile you would ever see. She stood up for what she believed in and did not change her mind based upon opposition. Thus, she was a woman of her own stature. Her advice to others through the years leaves memories for each to cherish. Ola will be remembered for being unique.

She was predeceased by husband, Charles F. Purnell, her sister, Viola Johnson, her brother, James Jones, her stepson, Charles H. Purnell, "Pudgie," step grandson, Charles D. Purnell.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her 3 nieces and 3 nephews, Carol Daniels(Oscar), Adrian Jones, Lola Peters, and Karin Harmon (Waymon). Her 5 great nieces and 3 great nephews, DeVon Edwards, Obryant Jones(Sixta), Sheena Hopkins, Lorichia Camper and Elias Harmon(Keren) and J'liyah Baker Jones. Her 4 great great nephews, Rashad Hopkins , Avilo Lopez Jones, Chance Hopkins, Tiano Lopez Jones. Her 2 stepchildren, Avery Purnell (Mary), Lottie Faye Shockley, her 3 step grandchildren: Valerie Purnell Corbin, Ivanne Purnell, Diandra Bratten, her 6 step great grandchildren, Paul Hudson, Justin Hudson, Shania Purnell, Dominick Shockley, Diyonka Shockley, and Dirvonya Shockley, a host of cousins and friends.