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Janet Purnell Obituary
Janet Beverly Purnell was born August 30, 1936 in Akron, Ohio. She attended the Akron Public Schools. She graduated from North High School. She received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Akron.
She married the love of her life Attorney Norman Purnell who preceded her in death. She was employed for 22 years by the Akron Public Schools, 11 years as a teacher and 11 years as a building administrator. Janet was an Elementary Classroom Teacher from 1959 to 1971; Curriculum Developer from 1959 to 1962 for the first Head Start Program in Summit County; 1959 to 1962 Educational Consultant Akron and Kent State Universities; Consultant Akron Children's Hospital. She served as the state liaison over a 5 county radius for 400 elementary school Administrators. Commissioner 1980 1981 City of Akron, charged with reviewing and updating the City Charter; Summit County Human Services Department Out Reach Consultant 1985; Mt Olive Metro Inc. Development Consultant, 1985 to 1988; from 1982 to 1988 Janet worked as first woman executive director of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Her Honors and Awards were, 1988 Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters Degree U of A; 1987 Elected first woman chairman of U of A Board of Trustees; 1986 Akron N.A.A.C.P. Women Of The Year; 1986 Silver Star from AKA Sorority for 25 years active membership; 1985 Honorary Life membership Ohio Baptist Women's Convention; 1984 Women's History Week "Women Of The Year Akron"; 1982 Nine year Governor appointment to serve as a trustee of the University of Akron; 1980 Trustee N. Eastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio; 1987 Vice Chairman Summit Count Republican Party.
Janet's affiliations were, Mt. Olive Baptist Church; Akron Urban League; Life Member N.A.A.C.P.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Janet traveled throughout continental United States plus Hawaii. She also traveled to Madrid, Spain, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mombasa and Nairobi, Kenya Africa.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Millard and Nannette Johnson; husband, Attorney Norman Purnell; brothers, Millard Jr. and Mervin. She leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Alan Purnell (Satarro) Texas and Anthony Purnell (Stephanie) Ohio; grandchildren, Dorian, Cortnei and Devin Purnell,. Her siblings sisters, Arminta Brantley; brothers, Hubert Kirkland, Larry Johnson; sisters-in- law, Ann Pleasant (Phillip), Sharon Johnson, Janet Wilson.
The family thanks the following special friends for their helping Janet during her illness, Fannie Purdue, Mary Wright and LaRue Howard. The family thanks all who helped make Janet's final days peaceful. To all of you who called, prayed and visited Janet as she made her transition, may God keep you and continue to bless you.
A celebration of Janet's life will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1180 Slosson St., Akron, Ohio. Visitations will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the service will begin at 12 p.m. Pastor William C. Bunton will be officiating with the eulogy by Elder Alan Purnell. Procession will form and condolences may be sent to 1108 N. Portage Path, Akron, Ohio 44313.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Purnell
Danny Thomas
November 22, 2020
Miss you cous.
Rachael NESLINE
January 22, 2011
I just found out of Janet's passing. I first met her at Rimer as a student, and then ended up as her Administrative Assistant at the University of Akron for two years. I am honored to have worked with her and to have the opportunity to have been blessed with her friendship, leadership and to have learned so much from her. I will never forget the two short years I worked with her, and could never duplicate all the experiences I had. She was definitely amazing and oh the stories I could tell....Anthony and Alan, may you have peace in knowing she touched so many people. Take care
Jo Stone
December 18, 2008
To the family of Janet Purnell:
I first met Janet when she visited our gift shop in the valley. She was a wise and wonderful woman and the lives of those she touched are richer for her presence on this earth. My sincerest conlolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joyce Morton Hill
December 4, 2008
Thank you, Mrs. Purnell for helping to start my life’s journey 44 years ago in 4th grade English at Crouse Elementary. Although I saw you many times since then, I never forgot the impact you had on me.
My heart goes out to the family. Find comfort in knowing she was a positive influence to so many students in the Akron School System.
Peggy Miller
December 4, 2008
I had the great pleasure of Janet's friendship and wisdom while I served the University of Akron as President. Her elegance and grace were always manifest in her kind heart and thoughtful leadership. She made a difference. My prayers will be with her sons and their families.
Peggy Gordon Elliott Miller
Mrs.Nancy (Howard)Howell
December 4, 2008
To The Families of Janet Purnell:
My family were good friends of the Johnson, Kirkland, and Purnell familes during the days back at Mt.Olive Baptist Church.There are a lot of things we will miss about her, but many wonderful memories to remember.
May God bless and keep you in his tender loving care.
Deacon Hosea Howard
Ella Howard
Nancy,Raphaella'and Raphael
(The Howell Family)
Monica Moorer Howard
December 4, 2008
My condolences to The Purnell Family. My heart was saddened to hear of her passing. But I took a moment to reflect on my relationship with her as a student. My thoughts made me smile. Thank you for sharing her with countless young people over the years. She truly made a difference in our lives.
Darrel & Karen (Malone) Peaks
December 3, 2008
Alan, Tony, Bro. Hubert,
My prayers go out to each of you during this valley in life that we all must walk through. Know that Sister Purnell loved the Lord, family, education and the students that were educated. She stood for being proud of who you were and that everyone was somebody. Share the love of God, family and friends with your families allowing them to know that the greatest gift one can give is Love. We shall miss her smile and her "look", even when we came back to Akron, she always made us feel right back at home.
Cherish the memories, spread the love and remember to keep God first in all that you do.
Blessings, Peace and Love,
Cheryl Staten
December 3, 2008
To Hubert and Larry,
Just heard about Janet when I picked up my check today. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She had a great sense of humor. I can still remember some of the funny things she said. Also, I remember helping her pick out wigs and now I'm picking out wigs for myself.
Barbara Brown
December 3, 2008
Sincerest sympathy to the family. Janet was principal to my sons at Rankin. I thank God for her concern for children beyond the classroom -- in that she was preparing them for life. Our families have been intertwined for many years. I count it a pleasure to have known her. God bless you. Barbara Brown and the Bracy Family.
Crystal M. Bell
December 2, 2008
To Tony and Alan,
My deepest condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I know that your hearts must truly be heavy with this great loss.
Your mother was quite the woman...educator, civic servant, orator, organizer, trustee and on and on and on... Her presence will definitely be missed. Her warm smile, firm handshake and loving spirit. What a huge loss. I feel privileged to have known her my entire life.
May you find comfort in the days ahead, knowing that she left a grand legacy. May God bless, strengthen and comfort you. May the thoughts and prayer of others bring you peace.
Dionne & Crystal Bell
Dr. Sandra Barnes
December 2, 2008
I offer condolences to the Purnell Family. Mrs. Purnell touched my life with her candor, kindness, and wisdom. During her days as a principal (and beyond) she was a role model for many of us. She will be missed.
JAMES & MARGARET ROBERTS
December 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Isaac Mathews
December 2, 2008
It was a pleasure and honor to know Janet Purnell, I worked with her at AMHA but I Knew her out side the confines of work and she was an angle indeed. Our Lord has called another angle home. The world is at a loss and will miss her. My condolences are with the family.
Latanya Alexander
December 2, 2008
I have know Mrs Purnell for many years at Mt Olive Baptist church and through the school system. Mrs. Purnell was truly a role model. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Cathy Howard Lindemann and Family
December 2, 2008
To Uncle Larry, Uncle Hubert, Alan & Tony - Aunt Janet will forever be my hero. She was a woman of extraordinary integrity, a living example of unconditional love, unwaivering faith, and generous joy. JP spent her whole life doing the work that God sets before us all - the work of making a difference for and bringing happiness to others. Aunt Janet did her job well and her work lives on in all of us. How blessed we are to have had the gift of her love and laughter.
Cynda Watts-Williams
December 2, 2008
To the family: May you find peace in this time of mourning, knowing that you will see her again. Be strong, for the Lord allowed us to borrow that angel for quite a while, and for that we are thankful.
Trisha Thomas
December 2, 2008
Anthony, Allen, and the rest of my cousins, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow and grief, my prayer for you is that may god bless you and keep you strong during this time. Love You
BARBARA D MATHEWS
December 2, 2008
MR. ALAN, MR. ANTHONY AND THE PURNELL FAMILY,
IT WAS MY PLEASURE TO CALL JANET PURNELL A FRIEND. I MET HER AS A FELLOW EDUCATOR IN THE AKRON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BUT FOLLOWED HER SPIRALLING CAREER WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AMHA AND IN VARIOUS LEADERSHIP ROLES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON, INCLUDING SERVING AS PRESIDENT OF THE U OF A BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
MS. JANET WAS A LADY OF 'GREAT
STATURE' IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE.
SHE TOWERED ABOVE MANY IN PHYSICAL STATURE, IN PRECISION OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, IN WORK ETHIC, IN A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, AND AS A PERSON WHO PLACED THE HIGHEST VALUE ON FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND SORORITY.
A SPECIAL 'THANK YOU' TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY FOR SHARING THIS HUMAN TREASURE WITH ALL OF US.
MY LIFE WAS ENRICHED BY EVERY ENCOUNTER I HAD WITH JANET PURNELL. OUR CONDOLENCES.
BARBARA MATHEWS AND FAMILY
Larry Lallo
December 2, 2008
To the family of Janet,
My condolences on the passing away of Janet. I was blessed with the opportunity to work for her during a trying time in my life. She saw my potential, and endorsed it. She was a quality person, I am glad to have known.
sharon l washington
December 2, 2008
Dear Family of Janet Purnell,
My thoughts and prayers are with
you all. For the last year i really got
to know Janet and what a sweet angel that God sent to earth to touch so many and do so much for them, so we all know God said welcome home my daughter and thank you for job well done,
From your visiting angel.
Monique & Wendell Scott
December 2, 2008
Alan & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this most difficult time. May God's grace and mercy continue to comfort you with loving thoughts and memories of your Mom. She will be deeply missed. John 14:1-3
Ellen Goggins
December 2, 2008
Allen and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories comfort you.
Lisa Perkins
December 1, 2008
Dearest Tonee, Alan, Larry, Hubert and family:
Ron & I send our deepest sympathies and greatest condolences during this sorrowful time. Although we have not known Janet long, we do know how many lives she touched! We would have liked to have gotten to know her better. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts, hearts and our prayers. May God Bless and keep you.
Ron & Lisa Perkins
Douglas, Denise and Chayla Rookard
December 1, 2008
Alan and family. We cherish the memory of your mom. She was a huge part of our family. Thanksgiving will not be the same without her. May God continue to Bless your family and bring you all peace and comfort.
LaRita Clarke
December 1, 2008
Dear Family of Janet Purnell,
I can remeber Ms. Purnell standing in the hall of Rankin Elementary school making sure that we stood up straight and paid attention . I now realize that it was the little things that she insisted on that have helped so many of us excel today, she was a great role model and an inspiration to many of us. My deepest sympathies are with you at this time of loss.
Melanie Burney
December 1, 2008
To the family of Janet Purnell,
I met Janet at an AKA convention in Toledo several years. She was a beautiful person with a kind, compassionate and and loving spirit. I know that she will be missed by all who knew her.
May God comfort you at this difficult time and leave you with happy, loving memories.
With sympathy,
Melanie Burney
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Theta Pi Omega Chapter
Moorestown, NJ
EULA & EDWARD POWERS
December 1, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
AMY THURMAN, HAMILTON
December 1, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
QUITA WHATLEY
December 1, 2008
TO ALLEN, ANTHONY AND THE REST OF MY FAMILY, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.
MARQUITA
Martha Thompson-Davidson
December 1, 2008
To The Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may God bless you in this time of sorrow.
Lula Thompson, Martha Thompson-Davidson
Larry Weigle
December 1, 2008
Thirty-five years ago, I worked for Mrs. Purnell when she serves as an assistant principal at Perkins Junior High School. She often had a kind comment or a bit of wisdom to share. Her words were invariably delivered with a most contagious smile. It was my great fortune to have worked for Mrs. Purnell and to have learned from her.
Beth T. Ferguson (and Family)
December 1, 2008
May the love and strength of the Father continue to carry you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Candice Logan
December 1, 2008
To the Family of my grade school principal, Mrs. Purnell was simply "THE BEST". I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.
(Rankin Rookie)
A Student From Back In The Goodrich School Days
December 1, 2008
Mrs. Purnell was the assistant principal at Goodrich Junior High some years ago and I had the privilege of of getting a paddle by her. That was the 1st and only paddle that I needed to straighten up!! May she Rest In Peace! Condolences to the family.
Min Katrinka Carlton
December 1, 2008
To the Purnell Family:
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Sis Janet. She was an asset to the Akron Community and will be greatly missed.
May you receive comfort and peace during this time of bereavement and may God's blessings continue to be upon your family members. She was highly respected in the community and loved by many.
John & Susan White
December 1, 2008
To Arminta and family we are sorry
for your loss,You have are Condolences,and Deepest Sympathy
Terry Meese
November 30, 2008
I had the privilege of working for Mrs. Purnell at AMHA. My deepest sympathies are extended to the family on her death.
Terrance Talley
November 30, 2008
My condolences to the family of Janet Purnell. She was a friend of my mother Ida Talley. I remember her well during my public school years.
Karen Tyler
November 30, 2008
To The Purnell Family,
May God give you strength and comfort during your time of grief, and know that Mrs. Purnell is in the loving arms of God. I remember Mrs. Purnell while going to school in Akron, she was a great teacher, one of the ones I remember well.
Gail M Powell
November 30, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family. Soror Janet was one of my first mentors as my group leader at the Akron Community Service Center. I followed in her foot steps as we sang together in Mount Olive's Senior choir. Our Mothers were great friends, as well as Arminta and I. Look to the hills from which cometh your help. It comes from the Lord. May He hold you up during this time of sorrow, but remember all that she meant to all of us. It's in our hearts.
ruth james/moss
November 30, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
LORRAINE BROWN-HOPSON
November 30, 2008
TO THE PURNELL & JOHNSON FAMILY,
WEEP BUT BRIEFLY FOR YOUR LOVED ONE AS THEY ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD, FOR THEY SHALL POSSESS A JOY AND PEACE THAT IS UNATTAINABLE ON GOD'S EARTHLY REALM. RATHER, REJOICE IN THEIR EVERLASTING AND TOTAL HAPPINESS, FOR THEIR EYES HAVE SEEN GOD.
WISHING YOU COMFORT AND STRENGTH IN YOUR TIME OF NEED.
WITH SINCERE SYMPATHY
robin (Murray) Mitchell
November 30, 2008
Family of Mrs. Purnell My first thought of seeing that Mrs. Purnell had past was Oh I was her probaly worst student at Goodrich Jr. High as she was my 9th grade counselor. so many lectures she had gaven me has made a difference in my life, to I wish she would known I turned out to be a loving and devoted wife and mother of three, 29 yrs I've been happily married to another student of hers which was a blessing to my life. she made a differance as I share her words to my children to how she had a NO tollance to ignorance. I loved her more everyday as I grown to be a woman, wife and mother. her name has came across my table many times as I reflected Goodrich Jr. High. she was one woman you didnt mess with. I am so sorry she has left her loved ones for now, and rest a sure you will see her again, God Bless You All. and thanks for shareing a beatiful person that she was.
VONDA DAVIS
November 30, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kim Spigner
November 30, 2008
To The Purnell Family,
Our prayers are with you all during this time, may God comfort you all and give you his peace. Ms. Purnell was my 4th grade teacher and I still remember her today as one of my best teachers. Our family's have also shared some times of laughter together and we will always remember them. May God Bless and comfort you all.
The Driskill Family
Elaine Snell Hasan
November 30, 2008
To the Purnell and Johnson ,family I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.You have my deepest sympathy,may the lord continue to embrace you in his loving arms.grace and peace.Pastor Elaine Snell Hasan.
Garth Newberry
November 30, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chandra Long
November 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Great memories of Janet Purnell as a child growing up. What a blessing to this community. She will truly be missed.
Alyce Boyd-Stewart
November 29, 2008
Please accept my very deepest sympathy in response to Janet's passing. I knew her to be woman of great integrity and strength who gave much of herself to help others along the way.
Yvonne Bretzfelder
November 29, 2008
I taught First Grade at Rankin Annex on the corner of Copley Road and S.Hawkins,under Janet Purnell's leadership. Over the yrs. I have shared with my friends one particular bit of advice that Mrs. Purnell gave to me: "Make special events in the classroom full of fun and delight. By 8 AM in the morning you have no idea what these children have gone through. This may be the only good memories they will ever have." I never forgot that advice, and I ALWAYS valued what she advised. Many youngsters had great memories because of her advice to me. After I left that school, I took with me her wonderful advice; I will never forget her.
M Reed
November 29, 2008
To The Family of Janet Purnell,
May God's Word the Bible, bring you comfort in your time of grief.
MICHELLE LIVINGSTON
November 29, 2008
I woould love to share my condolences to the Parnell family. Mrs. Parnell was a great asset to our community, cause I'm a witness as one of her middle school students @ Perkins. She was always respected, and never tolerated no unruleiness.She was a great influence to and for me through those days.She was a great part of my generation; and my life alone with my brother & sisters. May god give u all the stength, and carry u all strongly. No more suffering, shes resting with our father. Such a strong woman that will be truly missed. But never forgotten. MICHELLE LIVINGSTON &FAMILY
DANNY THOMAS
November 29, 2008
ALLEN; ANTHONY; AND TO ALL MY COUSINS.GROWING UP LAUGHING AND JOKING WITH JANET WILL ALWAYS BE REAL GOOD MEMORIES WITH THE FAMILY. HER STRENGTH IN GOD WAS SO STRONG THAT WHENEVER I TALKED WITH HER DURING HER SICKNESS THAT SHE SPOKE WITH SUCH CLARITY. I'LL NEVER FORGET OUR DAYS OF HOMEMADE ICE CREAM. I'LL MISS YOU COUS.
DANNY THOMAS AND FAMILY
Jodi Wood and the staff at Visiting Angels
November 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gilda Liggins
November 29, 2008
Dear Family,
The lost of Janet is like lost of my older sister, since I spent most of my childhood with the Johnson family.
You are all in my prayers and my one regret is that I can not be there. Continue to stay close to one another. Larry I will contact you soon.
Love Gilda
Cynthia Capers
November 29, 2008
Janet was a dedicated sorority sister and a commited civic servant. I am sure that many will recall the strength of her spirit and joy of her laugther during this time of celebrating her life! Her accomplishments will be recognized for years to come.
She will be missed.
Fondly, Cynthia Flynn Capers
ruth james
November 29, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
CARRIE MINGO and FAMILY
November 29, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Rita Gearhart
November 29, 2008
May God bless you with wonderful memories. Janet was my principal for a short time when I worked in the Akron Public Schools. I truly respected and admired her. She had a great sense of humor and I learned a many valuable lessons from her. I will miss her.
May God comfort you.
Sincerely,
Rita Gearhart
Mary Bush
November 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Carolyn Smith
November 29, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Malone Family
November 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Shirley Washingtoin
November 29, 2008
Truly I was blessed knowing and having Janet as a friend, a woman of class and quiet faith-always with a word of encouragement.
Family, I pray for your strength and comfort during this time.
CLARENCE / GAYLE BROWN
November 29, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Bishop William Pittman & Family
November 29, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Tresha Orr-Prim
November 29, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mrs. Purnell. May the
Lord bless and keep you during your time of sorrow.
Billie Johnson
November 29, 2008
My prayers and sympathy to the family.
LOUELLA MEADOWS-REYNOLDS & FAMILY
November 29, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Warren Ferrell
November 29, 2008
Dear Family,
I was Janet's Assistant Principal at Rakin. She was so supportive when my wife died. God Bless.
Warren Ferrell
Elder Buford Scruggs
November 28, 2008
My sadness is superceeded by my believe that Janet, an old-time Mt. Olive Baptist Coburn Street acquaintance, has 'fought a good fight, finished her course,' and is now awaiting for us to join her in the "Great Coronation" of our King, Jesus.
Pat Norment
November 28, 2008
My prayers and condolences to the family.
jim Reed
November 28, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home
November 28, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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