April 9, 1937 – April 30, 2014

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Memorial services for Marilyn June Thompson Purnell, 77, of Jacksonville, who died Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at her residence, surrounded by her family, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, in Fleming Island, will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at The Redeemer Anglican Church 4815-200 Executive Park Court, Suite 201 Jacksonville, Fla.

Mrs. Purnell was born April 9, 1937, in Miami.

She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School. She attended Jacksonville University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Florida.

Clem and Marilyn were married in 1961 at St. Marks Episcopal Church after knowing each other for only five months. It was love at first sight for Clem. After he caught her, they spent the next 53 years together.

She was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society of Georgia Southern University while earning her first master’s degree in education.

She received her second master’s degree in arts (education) from Chapman College and was certified to teach in Virginia, California, Georgia and Florida.

Mrs. Purnell was active in the local community, loved needlepoint, cross-stitch and antiquities.

For her commitment to public service, in 1993 Marilyn was appointed board member, municipal code enforcement board of the City of Jacksonville by then Mayor Ed Austin.

After more than 35 years of educating, she reluctantly retired from the Duval School Board because of the onset of her illness.

Survivors include her husband, Clement I. Purnell CDR, USN (ret); two children, Andrew W. Purnell and Jennifer L. Purnell; granddaughter, Isabella Purnell Miciotto; nephews, Brian Lightfoot and Eric Thompson; and a number of cousins.

Please join the Purnell family to remember the joys Marilyn brought us, the love she gave us and the laughter we will forever have from her special brand of humor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Community Hospice as your charitable organization.

Thank you Community Hospice. You have brought great comfort and support to the Purnell family.

To donate to Community Hospice,

Online, CommunityHospice.com, US Mail, 4266 Sunbeam Rd. Jacksonville, FL. 32257 and by phone 904-866-3883, or you may donate clothing, furniture and household items to their thrift stores on Atlantic and Balanding Boulevard.