William Henry Purnell

William Henry Purnell, son of the late Thomas William Johnson and Elva Arine Purnell-Johnson was born in Berlin, Maryland on August 15, 1958.  He entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 12, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a member of New Galilee Missionary Baptist Church and Joshua Harvest Church in Wilmington, Delaware, and a former member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Berlin, Maryland.

William was a 1977 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin, Maryland and he had a special love for his classmates.  He worked several jobs during his lifetime. He enjoyed working at Riverside Hospital, Wilmington Furnishing Company, and Goodwill Industries, in Wilmington Delaware.

In William’s spare time, he enjoyed watching western movies, barbecuing at family cookouts, washing cars, and taking the role of “Taxi Driver” for family and friends. He was a Huge “Philadelphia Eagles” Fan!

In addition to his parents; Thomas William Johnson, and Elva Arine Purnell-Johnson; he was preceded in death by his siblings: Oliver Purnell, Carrie Turner, Catherine Smith, James Smith, David Smith; sisters-in-law: Mary Purnell, Pearl Purnell, Maryann Purnell, and brother-in-law; Robert Brittingham.

William is survived by his children: William Teon Purnell (Tina) and Teona Lin Leonardo, 2 stepsons he loved as his own:  Francis Spence(Desiree Brady), Keshawn Spence (“Jess”), 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; siblings: Deborah Brittingham, Phoebe Purnell, Jasper Purnell, Australia Wayne Purnell, Edna Logan, Harvey Smith (Betty), and Thomas Smith, close niece, who was like a sister, Valarie Smith; close cousins: Nadine Showell, Anthony Smith and Victor Smack; companion; Carmen Gray, a close friend, Kenneth Purdue and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

NOTE: Funeral services will be live-streamed - Howell & Jolley Memorial Chapel PA, FACEBOOK page: http://www.facebook.com/howellandjolleymemorialchapel (please copy this address into browser)

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. 

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