Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC

Obituary For Mary Handy Purnell

Mary Handy Purnell, 99 years, of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away on April 18, 2023.

Mrs. Purnell was born in Salisbury, Maryland on November 16, 1923 to James and Hattie Handy. She was the youngest of four children. The quartet of four siblings were inseparable all of their lives. The longevity gene has blessed all four Handy children. Andrew age of 95, James Otis age 93, and Olivia age 97 are now deceased. She was married to Jacob Ray Purnell, deceased in 2002.

Mary Purnell was the North Carolina State Department of Public Instruction, Director of The Reading Division. The value of education and the significance of reading abilities were the focal point of her professional life.

She obtained her undergraduate B.S. and M.A. Degrees from A&T University. Postgraduate work at Temple University, UNC- Greensboro, North Carolina Central University, and The University Of Chicago. She taught in public school, then at A& T and UNC-G.
Prior to the Directorship at the State Department, Mary was appointed as one of two special Reading consultants in the history of The Division of Language Arts for the State Department of Education.

Later in life, she was a volunteer in voting headquarters and locations, a speech maker,
and consultant. At the “Greensboro Beautiful’’ Organization, Board of Directors, her extensive
knowledge of plants and flowers was enjoyed. Mary was a member of the AKA sorority.

Mrs. Purnell is survived by Joyce Handy, niece, and Drew Lamar Handy, nephew. Numerous friends will remember her warm smile, conversation, and stoic energy.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The family wished to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement. May God Bless and Keep You.

Guest Book

Ms. Purnell was one of the classiest women I have ever met and had the privilege to know and work with. I worked with Ms. Purnell, her brothers and sister in Salisbury. She had a great sense of humor, she was pragmatic and a strategist. We had many conversations about life, legacy, politics, and life in Greensboro. I will miss my friend.

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Mary was a beautiful and very Speacil Woman. To know her was to Love her. The day that Mary entered my family life through my Sister Beverly, she instantly became Family. Mary you will be missed on this side of life. But the day that God called you home he picked a beautiful flower for his garden. Rest In Peace ❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽love and prayers to the Family and Friends.

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Aunt Mary was a lady of integrity, class, and intelligence. She was a strong example of black excellence. Her wit, humor, and candid conversations will be missed dearly. Thanks for all your words of wisdom and your stellar example of being a LADY. Love and Miss you much 💕-Thelma 'Mumpsy' Spencer

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Aunt Mary was a lady of integrity, class, and intelligence. She was a strong example of black excellence. Her wit, humor, and candid conversations will be missed dearly. Thanks for all your words of wisdom and your strong example of being a LADY.

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Senator Gladys A. Robinson, District 28, honors the life and memory of Mary Handy Purnell. Mary Purnell served faithfully on the Committee to Elect Senator Robinson, as she had also served with former Senator Katie Dorsett. Mary was my advisor, friend and advocate. Guilford County and the State of North Carolina were the beneficiaries of Mary's talents, love and commitment. We all truly miss her. We extend blessings and condolences to her family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC