Nicole Kenyutta Purnell

Nicole Kenyutta Purnell began her earthly journey on October 2nd, 1978 (Hey Babe!) by birth to proud Mother Marla Ann Lacey and Father Ervin Purnell, at Homer G. Phillips Hospital. She was the first and the last of her maternal generation to be born, first grandchild, first niece, and eventually the first sister to Natalie. Nicole was well-loved by all of her family, which was infectious because this was the same love she shared with everyone else. Nicole was the social butterfly, probably the soul reason that word was created in the first place. Nicole's aura was contagious and everywhere she went, she left a mark. It was always easy for her to meet new people and make new friends, Nicole was an extreme Go Getter and self-motivated; the type to never play about her grades or her goals. Even as a child she maintained honor roll status and kept her mom busy collecting rewards and certificates. In 1997 she graduated from Hazelwood East High School and pursued her education in the medical field, and career path in pharmaceuticals. In eight months, she would have completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Phoenix.

Behind all the labor she had a passion for the arts, Nicole was well known for her love of singing and dancing. A a kid, she tried out for cheerleading though she experienced stage fright that didn't stop her. At home Nicole was a choreographer and vocalist trainer often performing in front of Natalie, babysister Naila and her first-born Briana, encouraging them to be free and expressive and "learn the moves!!" By the winter of 2001, her second baby Zakiira was learning from her older sister just as Nicole had taught Natalie when they were children. Nicole was an amazing, loving, and caring mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, and friend to all. Nicole's friendship expanded into her mothering nature where her siblings, her children and there friends knew how important is it to have a tidy home. Nicole offered structure, balance, and plenty of room to be yourself, which is why all the kids loved her. Always there for any and everyone, Nicole was literally one phone call away. Nicole's smile brought light to a room filled with darkness, her goofiness made awkward situations feel comfortable and you definitely heard her laugh from a mile away. A strong woman who always spoke her mind! Confident to a "T" and no one could tell her different! She is beautiful and she knew it. Nicole was baptized in May of 2000, accepting Jesus as her lord and savior. Nicole's church home always resides inside of her.

On June 20th 2023, Nicole completed her earthly journey, and will join her co-father Charles Nick (Daddy) and grandfather Hubert Lacey who preceded her in passing and leaves those celebrating her, mother Marla Lacey-Hasbrouck, La Salle Hasbrouck, Father Ervin Purnell, (her girls) Briana Hamilton & Zakiira Baker grandmother Billie J. Lacey, her two aunts Marcia Presberry and Cheryl Lacey and Uncle, Byron Lacey, siblings Natalie Nick, Naila Lacey (god-siblings) Mr. Juneke & Cutoria Young, Mark Randle, nieces & nephews, Madison Bradford, Marlie Randle-Nick, Mikiya Bradford, Mallana Bradford, Jamaya Young, Zoey Young, Tristin Young. Paternal family: Aunts: Sandra McGhee, Barbra White and Pam Purnell, uncles: Steve Purnell, Gregory Purnell, Rory Purnell and Darrin Purnell, siblings: Jenelle Purnell, Shameka Purnell, Tony Purnell, and Deandre Purnell and a host of cousins, extended family, and an array of friends.

Arrangements were handled by William C. Harris Funeral Directors.