Penny Purnell

Funeral services for Mrs. Penny Purnell will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:00 AM at First Christian Church with Dr. Mark Benson and Dr. Tom Sikes officiating. Interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Penny Purnell, age 85, of Meridian, MS, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at UAB Medical Center after an extended illness.

Penny was a graduate of Meridian High School. After high school, she went on to attend the University of Alabama where she was selected as a beauty and became a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She was a lifelong member of the Meridian Junior Auxillary. Penny was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who dearly loved her family. She was a longtime active member of First Christian Church of Meridian, where she served for several years as the Senior Adult Ministry leader and in many other capacities. She lived a life of devoted faith to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She loved people and never met a stranger.

She is survived by her husband James (Jimmy) Purnell, daughter Laurie Barker (Greg); son Leslie Rush III (Tammy); six grandchildren: Meagan Barker Smith (Josh); Meredith Barker; Madison Barker; Leslie Rush IV (Emily); Neely Rush Brantley (Karl); Drew Rush; eight great-grandchildren; and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Leonard (Squirrel) and Verdie Danniel.

The family request memorials be made to: First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Avenue, Meridian, MS 39301.

Pallbearers will be Bo Bosarge, Duncan Chalk, Richard Davis, Scott Davis, Brooks Gray, Scott Gray, Jerrell Polk, and Berry Ward.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at the church prior to the funeral service.