FUNERAL DATE & TIME CHANGE.

The funeral will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 12:00 Noon.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 497 Crescent Ave.

Wilma Lucille Stewart Purnell of Hot Springs, AR, transitioned on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Born on January 15, 1944, in Rayville, Louisiana, she was the beloved daughter of Reverend James Henry and Lucille Lewis Stewart. At a young age, she embraced her faith and was baptized by her father.

As a child, she loved singing and led countless gospel songs through the years. She also exhibited a passion for learning and service from an early age. Wilma was a graduate of Eula D. Britton High School. She was an Honor Roll and Top 10 student of her Senior Class. She is a graduate of Grambling State University, Grambling, Louisiana where she earned a Bachelors in Elementary Education. After she began her career, she furthered her love of learning and earned a Masters's and Specialist degree in Education from Governor's State University, University Park, Illinois.

Wilma embarked on a remarkable 31-year career as a dedicated teacher, teacher trainer, and coach, inspiring and shaping countless young minds and teachers across Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, Illinois. Her classroom was a place of knowledge, creativity, and encouragement, embodying her unwavering belief in the success of every student. Through her dedication, she inspired countless young minds and fellow educators.

Her contributions to education extended beyond the classroom.  Wilma received numerous honors and awards for her exemplary service and innovation in teaching.  Her commitment to fostering a love of learning in others continued in the business world, where she became a sales representative and recruiter for World Book Encyclopedia. Her exceptional skills earned her top sales recognition and a trip to the Winter Olympics, a testament to her ability to inspire learning in every area of life.

In addition to her professional achievements, Wilma was an active member of her community. She gave her time generously, volunteering with local organizations and spearheading initiatives that brought people together. As a devoted member of Greater St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, she served faithfully as Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, Youth Ministry and a Deaconess.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Luella Harris

She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her husband of 29 years W. J. Purnell, her daughters, Ponhsa Bumpas, and Karen Davison, her bonus children, Debra Broyles, Mary Purnell, Michael Purnell, Alicia Maclin(deceased), Gayle McDaniel, Subrina Powe and Chris Powe, her granddaughter, Sydnei Elveria Bumpas, her siblings, James Henry Stewart, Samuel Stewart, Bettye Lee Spears, Daisy Mae Wilson, and Annie Ruth Staten and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

Wilma Lucille Stewart Purnell's life was a testament to faith, learning, and service. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around her.

The Funeral will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 12:00 Noon. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 497 Crescent Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. The Second Funeral service will be held at,. at Pine Hill Baptist Church, 209 Oliver St., Rayville, LA  71269. Burial will follow in Northeast Louisiana VA Cemetery 2413 US. 425 Rayville, LA 71269.

www.tennantmortuary.com Tennant Funeral Home 1014 Harrison St, Rayville, LA 71269

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.