Theo Gale Purnell

Theogale Isaac Purnell, known as “Gale” by most, was born May 4, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Josephine Isaac Clark and Emory Kirsch. She received her wings on March 15, 2024, peacefully transitioning at home surrounded by her loving family.

Theogale was a lifelong lover of education and seeker of knowledge. She graduated from Irvin High School in El Paso, Texas in 1966. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Coppin State College in Baltimore. She then earned a Master of Education Degree from Strayer University on June 24, 2013.

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Theogale worked as a laboratory scientist and researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine from 1983-1987. In 1987, Superintendent Alice Pinderhughes, upon recommendations of the School Board of Commissioners-Baltimore, elected Theogale to tenure in the Baltimore City Public School System. From 1987 until retirement, Theogale taught as a science teacher and served as a department head within the Baltimore City Public School System. She dedicated the majority of her teaching career to her favorite educational institution, Pimlico Middle School. And while in retirement, she homeschooled her granddaughters.

Theogale was very active in her church, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, Maryland since becoming a member in December of 1990 and until her transition. She served as the director of summer day camp for the children within the surrounding neighborhood, assisted in the food distribution program and soup kitchen, and created beautiful decorations for the church sanctuary to commemorate religious holidays.

Theogale embraced life wholeheartedly, finding joy in every moment. She found true fulfillment in extending a helping hand to others, particularly children. She also loved music and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

Theogale was preceded in death by her mother Josephine, father Emory, sister Undine Pizarro, and brothers Floyd, Robert, Leonard and Arthur.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 57 years, Theodore Purnell; her son, Truet E. Purnell and his wife Rossalyn, her daughter, Tahna Amoako-Atta and her husband Akwasi; four grandchildren, Christian Purnell, Cyrus Purnell, Abella Amoako-Atta, and Amia Amoako-Atta; one great-grandchild, Harmony Stanback; two sisters, Henrietta Green and Helen Leassear; one brother, Namon Clark; four sisters-in-law, Mary Jones, Diane Purnell, Theola Taylor and Marilyn Brown; four brothers-in-law, Anthony Smoot, Rodney Hill, David Taylor and Malvin Leassear; and many more family and friends.

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