Kay Gibbs-Purnell, had a golden heart
Kay Frances Gibbs-Purnell, 66 of Georgetown, departed this life into the peaceful and loving arms of Christ Jesus our Savior Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
She was born May 28, 1949, in Georgetown. Her home place was known as the Big House. She was the daughter of the late James W. Gibbs Sr. and Ola Gibbs. She attended Richard Allen School and William Jason High School. She met the love of her life, William Purnell, and they were married. She worked at Stockley Center then at Draper King Cole, until her disability. After that, she started babysitting. She was a great sister. Her heart was golden because of the love that she shared with everyone. She loved finding recipes to try, baking cakes for any occasion, reading the Bible and newspaper, and listening to her church music.
During her early years, she attended Booker St. Church of God. She sang in the choir and was a secretary. Later in life, she found the Lord at Heavenly Bound Ministry, where she served as a faithful member under Pastor Patsy Jones (P.J.), her favorite pastor. She loved when the choir would sing her favorite songs.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Purnell; and two brothers, James Gibbs Jr. and Wilbert Gibbs. She is survived by eight siblings Lola (Eugene) Jackson of Seaford, Mable (Donald) Hopkins of Georgetown, Lillie (Robert) Williams of Harbeson, Thomas (Ora) Gibbs of Lithonia, Ga., Frank (Mary) Gibbs Sr. of Georgetown, Robert Gibbs of Lincoln, Kenny (Melvina) Gibbs of Harbeson, and Joetta (William) Harmon of Ellendale; three special aunts, Jessie Cole of New York, Patricia Mann of Seaford and Delores Andrews of Hurlock, Md.; one uncle, Joseph Posey of New York; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Gibbs of Boston, Mass., Madeline Purnell of Ellendale, Shirley Gibbs of Seaford and Elizabeth Pettyjohn of Harrington; two brothers-in-law, Charles (Linda) Purnell of Georgetown and Gereald Purnell of Washington, D.C.; the kids she helped raise, Melissa Gibbs (Kone) and Whitney, Brandon, and Michaele Norman; special friend Charles Bethards; special caregivers Natasha May and Luvenia Bailey; and many nieces and nephews. She will greatly missed by all.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, April 2, at Grace United Methodist Church, 7 S. King St., Georgetown, where the viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to noon. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Georgetown.
Letters of condolence may be sent via www.watsonfh.com
