Rev. Ann R. Purnell

Rev. Ann R. Purnell, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Washington Senior Living Facility in Washington, IL, at 2:45 a.m. Rev. Ann was born on June 22, 1933, in Greenville, MS to Young and Annie Shears (Littles). She married Caesar Purnell Sr. on December 15, 1978, in Peoria. They were married for 19 years before he preceded her in death on December 9, 1997. Rev. Ann graduated from Lizzie W. Coleman Highschool in Greenville, MS in 1952. She moved to Peoria shortly after where she began working at the Peoria State Hospital in Bartonville, IL until it was closed. She then went on to work for Caterpillar until she retired. Rev. Ann received her certification and license to preach the gospel under the auspices of Bishop Joseph Johnson at Star of Hope Full Gospel Church in February of 1986. In December of 2006, she received her Ordained Minister License from the “International Gospel Assemblies, Inc.” In her role as an ordained minister, she went on to become a mentor and role model for many as she worked fervently for the Lord by spreading the gospel through her sermons and teaching Sunday School classes for women and children. Rev. Ann was also a volunteer working with other church leaders inside the Illinois Dept. of Correction’ Prison Ministry program until her health began to fail. Rev. Ann loved talking to people, she never met a stranger, if you were a stranger, you didn’t remain one for long. She enjoyed going out to eat with friends and family. Everyone that knew her knew she had a passion for fishing. Rev. Ann really loved going fishing with friends but especially loved to go fishing with her grandchildren when the opportunity presented itself. Rev. Ann leaves to cherish her precious memories: two daughters: Debra Standley and Vanessa Purnell both of Peoria; three grandsons: Brandon Standley, Andre (Tanisha) Barber, and Kenny Barber all of Peoria; two granddaughters: Rain Smith and Riyah Marshall both of Peoria; a special nephew: Archie Shears (who she helped raise) of Peoria; a very special friend: Cheryl Ellis (whom she affectionately called, her “other daughter”) of Peoria; a host of great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Rev. Ann was preceded in death by her parents: one son: Robert “Kenneth” Barber; two sisters: Bertha Netters and Ledora Mcleod; one brother: Robert Littles; two grandsons: Niles Alexander and Asante King. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Star of Hope Full Gospel Church at 11:00 a.m. with visitation commencing an hour prior at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Vance Jordan will present the Eulogy. Rev. Ann with be laid to rest at Lutheran Cemetery. The Family of Rev. Ann Purnell would like to thank Vistas Hospice Care and staff at Washington Senior Living Care for the care they provided. We would also like to thank her doctors at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center for their ongoing support throughout her health issues. Arrangements were made especially for the “Purnell” family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Sophias Angels Kitchen.

Rev. Ann R. Purnell

June 22, 1933 - February 17, 2025