Obituary of Evangeline Patricia Purnell

Evangeline Patricia Purnell, the first of four children, was born to Sylvia and Thomas Hugh Johnson on May1, 1942 in Baltimore, MD. She was called to eternal rest on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Evangeline, affectionally known as "Van", was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools System. She attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar High school. During her senior year, she as involved in a tragic motorcycle accident. After recovery and persevering, Van obtained her G.E.D. For approximately 22 years, Van worked as a cashier at several supermarkets within her community. She started her journey at Food Fair and retired from Shoppers Food Market. During her retirement years, Van was devoted in caring for her mother until her mother's passing. In addition, Van provided child care for her first great-granddaughter, Mackenzie A. Jones. Van accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and as was baptized at Fountain Baptist Church. She was nurtured and trained in Christian education through Sunday School and other ministries at the Fountain Baptist Church. She continued her Christian walk at Central Baptist Church and later at Friendship Baptist Church. In 1962, Van was married to Richard Clay Purnell Sr., who proceeded her in death. Out of this union, Ingrid D. Cox and Richard C. Purnell were born. Van was a loving wife and mother. Van worked immensely hard to provide and show her children special love, which guided each of them to flourish in their own way. Van indeed was a true social butterfly. She would embrace you with most beautiful smile and was very conversational. Van loved to party and dance to "Oldies, but Goodies", her favorite spot was on the dance floor. Even in her last moments, she requested from her son and daughter-in-law one last dance. If you could not find her on the dance floor, rest assured, you could have found her at the nearest bingo hall, playing multiple boards at a time. Van would frequent the bingo hall twice a week and had curbside pick-up. Van adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was her tradition to knit them their own blanket, a life-long keepsake. She enjoyed baking scrumptious baked goods, family gatherings, crossword puzzles and gardening. On Friday, July 24, 2020, friends may visit Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 4905 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212, from 3:00 – 6:00PM. On Saturday, July 25, 2020, services for Mrs. Purnell will be held at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 4905 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 – 10:30AM with services to follow. The interment will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 5829 Ritchie Highway, Baltimore, MD, 21225, immediately following services.