Barbara F Purnell

BARBARA FREDERICKA PURNEEL (MIDGETT) born to Kenneth Leach and Ellestine Midget on November 29, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life peacefully on June 8, 2025. Barbara was educated in the Baltimore County school system where she graduated from Sollers Point High School. Barbara started her Christian journey at Israel Baptist Church in Baltimore. She was united in holy matrimony to James Russell Purnell Sr. From that union they raised seven wonderful children.

While raising her children, Barbara entered the workforce. She spent her entire work life in health care with Johns Hopkins Hospital. She held many positions at Hopkins including being a Certified Nursing Assistant and later moved into healthcare administration. Barbara also pursued her interest in cosmetology.

Barbara was an avid reader, After she retired from Johns Hopkins. Barbara enjoyed traveling, sewing, cooking, bowling and time with her grandchildren and great grand-children. She also enjoyed spending time with other retirees.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, James Russel Purnell Sr., and son Jeffrey Russell Purnell. She leaves to cherish her memories, her sister Brenda Redding, her children Jerome Purnell, Yvonne Jones (Rodney), James Purnell, Danyelle White (Clyde), Cheryl Purnell-Lewis (Rodney), Dawn Purnell, eleven grandchildren, Toya, Demuriel, Byron, Jada, Ashley, Bryant, Marcus, Darius, Eric, Anthony and Devin, as well as sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of friends.