Gustava Purnell

Cherishing the Memory of

Gustava “Gussie” Purnell

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Gustava "Gussie" Purnell, who was born in Charleston, Missouri, on July 13, 1936, to Rev. Ernest and Safrona Wallace. After living 89 blessed and meaningful years, she went home to the Lord on November 28, 2025. On that day, she was reunited with her five brothers and three sisters who passed before her. Gussie was the eighth of thirteen children and is lovingly survived by her four younger sisters: Irma Wallace, Evelyn Wallace, Glendora Sazone, and Artoria Cason.

Gussie graduated from Lincoln High School in 1954 and later married Leroy Purnell Sr., in 1957. Together, they had four beautiful children: Wynnetta, Leroy Jr., Dexter, and Monique.

Gussie was a woman whose love knew no limits. She embraced her roles as mother, caretaker, and servant of the Lord with a gentleness that touched everyone she met. Her kindness was steady, her faith unshakable, and her presence brought comfort and peace to those around her. To her family, she was the glue that held everything together.

Gussie loved her soap operas and Walker Texas Ranger, but, her greatest joy was found in the laughter and closeness of her family, especially the moments shared with her siblings and the generations that followed.

Left to cherish Gussie's memory: her four children; her niece and nephews: Rodney and Stacey Gordon, Stephen Gordon and Jamal Shadeed. Her legacy continues to shine through her beloved grandchildren: Dominica Adams, Xyanne Purnell, Oviayre Palmer, Kendra Hall, and Precious Mayberry; and her great-grandchildren: James Mitchell, Xzaveion King, Jaidah Franklin, Jayden Franklin, and Chloe Franklin.

As she leaves this world with grace, the warmth of her spirit lives on in those who were blessed to call her family.