Arlene Frances Purnell

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. -John 14:3 (NIV).
God kept his promise to His child, Arlene Frances Northam Purnell. On Friday January 17, 2025, at 2:08 am He came to receive her at His home. Arlene transitioned at the Hospice House of Williamsburg surrounded by her two children.
Arlene was born on August 17, 1950, to the late Clifton Northam and Earle Bagwell Northam. She was educated in the public school system of Accomack County and on May 25, 1970, she gave birth to Lyle Duone Purnell. She continued her education at Morgan State College, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She was employed for many years with the Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging.
At an early age, Arlene joined Metompkin Baptist Church, where she was an active member until her demise. Arlene loved her church. She was chairman of the Trustee Board for many years, member of the Lee Roy Mapp Singers, and a member of the Missionaries.
Arlene was united in holy matrimony to Miller Edward Purnell, Sr. on December 12, 1981. This union was blessed with one daughter, Whitney Denise Purnell. He predeceased her on March 1, 2015.
Arlene was affectionately called "GiGi" by her children. Some of her hobbies included working in her yard, traveling, and watching television.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Haywood Northam; sisters, Toledo M. Northam and Irene S. (James) Allen; and three nephews, Larry S. Northam, Wayne F. Tyler, Sr., and Govan T. Snead, Jr.
Precious memories will be cherished by her son, Lyle Duone Purnell of Hampton, VA; daughter, Whitney Denise Purnell of Charlottesville, VA; one sister, Rose L. Tyler of Accomac, VA; three stepdaughters, Deanna (Eric) Pesik of Minneapolis, MN, Patricia Ann Purnell of Mill Valley, CA, and Pearline Penny Purnell of Los Angeles, CA; one stepson, Miller Edward Purnell, Jr. of San Jose, CA; eight step-grandchildren; one sister- in- law, Gloria Purnell of NC; two nephews, Glenn (Delores) Northam of Onancock, VA and Henry (Sharone) Johnson of Accomac, VA; one niece, Pastor Wanda (Hugh) Snead-Nichols of Mardela, MD; special niece/companion, Takasha (Lonnie) Howell of Newport News, VA; special friends, Jessica (Wayne) Snipes of Severn, MD, Barbara Strand of Accomac, VA, Annette (Terry) Garris of Accomac, VA, and Gwendolyn (David) Northam of Bear, DE; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Arlene Frances Purnell (Northam), please visit our Tree Store.