Julius Earl Purnell

Julius Earl Purnell departed harmoniously the morning of Sunday April 20, 2025, in the comfort of his own home in the presence of family and loved ones. Julius was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi on November 23, 1956, to the late Julia Marie Goldsberry and June Dotson. He accepted Christ into his heart at an early aged and attended Second Baptist Church in Mississippi and Antioch Baptist Church in Dalhart, Texas, until he relocated. He and his brother were adopted at a very early age by their great grandfather Ben Purnell (Daddy Ben), whom his teachings highly impacted much of his hard work and success. 

Julius attended Port Gibson High School Class of 1974 and later went on to attend Alcorn State University Class of 1978. He graduated with bachelor’s degree in animal science which led him to work for the United States Department of Agriculture in Natural Resource and Soil Conservation for thirty-five years until he retired in Amarillo, Texas. The last few years of his life were spent with his high school sweetie Bell Purnell who cared for him until both of their health began to fail.

Julius instilled in his four daughter (never got that son) his hard-working mentality and a sense of pride, in education, being able to take care of themselves, and not depending on anyone but God because he might be all you have. He had many passions including Dallas Cowboys Football, his Alma Matter Port Gibson and Alcorn University, agriculture and his career, classic cars drawing, western movies, cooking, rhythm and blues music, and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  

Julius was preceded in death by his parents Ben Purnell, Julia Maria Goldsberry, June Dotson, and former wife, Bell Purnell. 

He leaves to preserve and appreciate his memories daughters, eldest, Tyrise Jackson, LenTanya Denise Summage, Keisha Rena Purnell, youngest, Sheneeka Annette Purnell; grandchildren, Audreania Goods (Frankie), Keyona Evans, Daquan Jackson, Phaedra Watts, Michael Harris, Moniquesa Flanagan, Sa’Nieya Stovall, Kyrie Gross; great grandchildren, Daylen Jackson, Daquan Jackson Jr., Akeem Williams Jr., Kyrie Williams Mylan Jackson, and Milani Jackson; two brothers, Albert Purnell (Lois), Y’nassia Goldsberry (Priscilla), D’Albert Purnell (Lauren), numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, relatives, classmates, family and friends.

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