Nelwanda Purcell

Nelwanda Dasher Purcell, 94, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at NorthSpring Senior Living in Claxton, Georgia.

Nelwanda was born on February 6, 1930, to Grady and Zona Dasher of Glennville, Georgia. The Tattnall County native had lived in Glennville all of her life. She was a 1947 graduate of Glennville High School. She retired after working at First Citizens Bank for many years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a member of Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church and served as church treasurer for 32 years. She enjoyed traveling. She was a wonderful cook and was an excellent seamstress. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Nelwanda provided a home filled with joy, love, and laughter while serving her church faithfully.

She was preceded in death by her husband, W.F. “Billy” Purcell; son, Alan Purcell; daughter, Gail Purcell Barnard; brother Deryle Dasher (Emma Jean); sister, Aldeen Baxter (Barnie).

She is survived by her daughter, Susan P. Durrence (Tracy); grandchildren, Stacy Durrence, Mandy D. Hewitt (Webster); Walt Purcell (Rachel), Wes Purcell, Alana P. Waters (Timmy), Aaron Barnard (Carolyn), Ben Barnard (Abby), Sarah B. Little (Jason), great-grandchildren, Asher Hewitt, Brody Hewitt, Mack Hewitt, Sawyer Barnard, Mason Barnard, Piper Barnard, Evan Little, Lauryn Little, Lynsey Little, Elizabeth Little, Elliot Little, Lilly Barnard, Bennett Barnard, Darcy Barnard, Hadden Waters, Kamryn Waters, Pate Waters, Truett Purcell, June Purcell and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to following special people for helping take such good care of “Mema” for the past 13 years: Jill Griffin (owner of NorthSpring Senior Living in Claxon, Georgia), Bonnie Sapp, Pam Bacon and Cynthia Williams. They also extend a special thanks to Georgia Hospice and their dedicated nurses.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am with Dr. Rick Cason, Dr. Dann Patrick and Rev. Richard Barnard officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers: Walt Purcell, Wes Purcell, Aaron Barnard, Ben Barnard and Timmy Waters.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to: Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church, 1580 Ebenezer Church Road, Glennville, Georgia.

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services. “Our Family Serving Your Family.”