Doris Louise Purnell

MILLSBORO - Doris Louise Purnell, of Oak Orchard, Millsboro, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2011, at home. She was 84. Doris was born in Dover, the daughter of the late Andrew W. and Anna L. (Phillips) VanSant. She was a homemaker who loved her children and living on the river. She enjoyed painting and had won several awards for her painting. She also loved decorating her home. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Hilly" Purnell in 2009. She is survived by her children, Diane Shockley and her husband Eddie of Georgetown, Brooke Nichols and her husband Gene of Seaford, Lisa Smith and her husband Wayne of Ocean City, Md., and Michael Purnell and his wife Sharon of Rehoboth Beach; brother, Douglas VanSant and his wife Linda of Dover, Aunt, Mary Jane of Lewes; seven grandchildren, Mike, Chris, Carla, Kristy, Andrea, Hillary and Matt; 14 great-grandchildren; cousin, Tim Hastings; good friend, Alice Hudson; and her wonderful friends and neighbors at the river. A memorial service will be noon, Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, where friends may call after 11 a.m. Following the Memorial Service everyone has been invited to the Brick Hotel, Georgetown. Contributions may be made to: Sussex County Animal Assoc. (SCAA) P.O. Box 1697, Seaford, DE 19973.