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Ethel Claire Hardy Purnell was born Sept. 30, 1940, in Grove Hill to Patricia Green Hardy and Clarence Hales Hardy. She passed away at home, Nov. 28, in Ft. Deposit at the age of 84 due to complications with dementia. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Atmore beginning at 1 p.m. with Dunklin Funeral Home directing. 

Ethel Claire grew up in Prattville and graduated from Autauga County High. She attended Judson College, and it was there she met and became close friends with Kay Purnell. Kay introduced Ethel to her brother Ron in June of 1960. Three months later she married Ron and remained a devoted wife for 64 years. Ethel and Ron raised their four children together. 

Ethel Claire was a homemaker and was proud of her role in the home. She was an amazing cook and spent many hours in the kitchen cooking or baking for church socials, parties and other events and rarely came home with leftovers. If she loved you, she made sure you had what you wanted to eat and left her house stuffed! She also loved arts and crafts and crocheted countless baby blankets, afghans, and other items for loved ones. 

Ethel Claire was active in her church until she could no longer attend. She was a Sunday school teacher to toddlers for over 20 years at First Baptist church in Clarksville, Tennessee. She loved her Lord and stayed true to her faith serving Him in many other capacities as well.

Ethel Claire is preceded in death by both of her parents, sister Linda Sanders, son Billy Purnell and grandson Seth Stephens. She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, Ronald Purnell, siblings Jimmy Hardy, Nancy Patterson, Carolyn Cook (Dan) and Fred Holley as well as her children, Nancy Findley (Wilmer), Sim Purnell (Clarksville, Tennessee), and Rachael Stephens (Ft. Deposit). Ethel also known as Ama, leaves her grandchildren Thomas Blum, Chase Purnell, Hannah Stephens, Nikki Singleton (Chris), Alex Findley and Abigail Heffernam (Lyle), nine great-grandchildren and a sweet one on the way.

The family would like to give their utmost appreciation to Brad Weathers for continually being present to provide support, kindness and so much help.  Also, a special thanks to the Montgomery Southern Care Hospice for constant compassion and care. Jeannie, Jessica, Katie and Matt, thank you. What an amazing team. 

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.