EULA PURNELL

Eula Lee Justice Purnell was born to Fred and Minnie Justice on May 23, 1941. She was the youngest of six: Willie Sr. (deceased), Sadie (deceased), Juanita (deceased), Freddie, and Earl (deceased). Growing up in Smithville, TX, Eula attended Center Union School for elementary and secondary school. She went on to graduate from Huston-Tillotson University in 1963 with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. While at Huston-Tillotson, her older brother Earl introduced her to Charles Purnell, Jr. They began dating and married on December 23,1962 at East Saint Paul United Methodist Church in San Antonio, TX. Eula and Charles’ union endured for 59 years until the time of Charles’ passing in 2022.

With Charles serving in the Army, their early years as a couple began at Fort Bragg, GA, and Alabama where Eula first began her career as a teacher. As a military family, Eula and Charles were stationed in locations abroad and domestically including Germany, Colorado, and Texas.

Charles’ last tour ended at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas; during this time, Eula attended Southwest States College earning a master’s in education. Upon Charles' retirement from the Army, they moved to Victoria, TX, where Eula continued her worked as a teacher for over ten years, eventually settling and retiring herself in San Antonio. She was a dedicated teacher for over 40 years. She loved her students and the connections she was able to make. Years later, many of Eula’s students continued to reach out to express their gratitude for her support and encouragement.

In later years, Eula lived into her faith, enjoying her connection as a minister's wife living in Columbus, Seguin, and San Antonio. She was active in the United Methodist Church both as a minister's spouse and congregant. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, provided regional leadership to United Methodist Women, led multiple walks to Emmaus, and attended countless events supporting the churches Charles was pastoring.

Eula is survived by her children LaTayna (Cynthia Bohrer) Purnell and Anthony Purnell, and stepdaughter Jacquelyn Sterling. Eula and Charles were proud grandparents of Brian Colvin, Donnal (Deniece) Purnell, Tiara Sterling, Jonathan Sterling, Myles Bohrer-Purnell, and Jonah Bohrer-Purnell, as well as 12 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family and friends who loved her dearly. Eula will be remembered for the generosity and care she poured into others.

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