Marjorie Purcell

A Life Well Lived

Marjorie "Merna" Earls Purcell was born to the late Elbert and Esther Earls in Bastrop County, Texas on May 14, 1938. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age. Marjorie was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church in Utley, Texas before moving to Austin. Marjorie was later a member of Grant AME Church for twenty years before finally returning to her Baptist roots by becoming a member of St. Stephen's Baptist Church in 1990.

She attended Bastrop County schools and graduated in 1956. After working in the health care industry for a number of years, Marjorie made a decision to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She graduated from the former San Marcos Nursing School in 1977. During her 25-year nursing career she worked for the State of Texas, Seton Medical Center, St. David's Medical Center and Brackenridge Hospitals. Marjorie was a strong advocate of diabetes awareness and volunteered for The National Diabetes Association for years. Of special note was her courageous and tireless work with AIDS patients at the outbreak of the pandemic. During this time she not only displayed her passionate nursing skills, but also her maternal instinct to love and provide unwavering support. She also worked for Rosey's Home Health Care at the end of her career.

Marjorie was well known for her love for her family, her famous cornbread dressing and cake baking skills. But what will be most remembered about Marjorie from those who knew and love her is her unshakeable faith in God. She was a true example of a Christian soldier.

Marjorie united in Holy Matrimony to William James Purcell, Sr on July 29, 1965 in Austin, Texas. They were married for 41 years before his death in July 2007.

Marjorie departed this life on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at St. David's Medical Center at 4:30 p.m. surrounded by her children and other family members.

Her parents, husband, and three brothers preceded Marjorie in death: Elroy Earls, Barney K. Earls, and Theodore Earls, as well as her sister, Gwendolyn Bellinger.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her five children: Diane Scott (Michael), Tracy Russell, Mina Hornsby (James), Felicia Woods (James), William Purcell, Jr. (Alma). Marjorie is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Winston (Robert) as well as her sister-in-law, Gloria Earls. Marjorie is also survived by ten grandchildren: Terence Bedford, Stephanie Davis, Tremaine Louie, Tandera Louie, Taneshia Scott, Ashley Scott, Marissa Hornsby, William Purcell III, Nia Woods and Marcus Woods as well as two great-grandchildren: Torian Davis and Leiya Bedford. A host loving nieces, nephews, and friends also survives Marjorie.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephens Baptist Church located at 3107 E. 51st Street. Interment will follow at Capital Memorial Park in Pflugerville, Texas.