Purcell, Ela L. Browne (Mrs. George D.)
12/3/1965
MRS. GEORGE D. PURCELL
January 14, 1872-December 3, 1965
Mrs. Ela L. Browne Purcell was born January 14, 1872, in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, the daughter of Dr. Joseph Newton Browne and Caroline Virginia Browne. She received her education at Louisiana State Normal College, Natchitoches, Louisiana, and at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
She was married to the Reverend George Dowell Purcell May 24, 1899, who at that time was a member of the Louisiana Annual Conference. Together they continued this ministry in the Louisiana Conference until his death, September 9, 1932. Throughout her husband’s ministry she took an active interest in the work of the Church,, and being well trained and educated, she made a valuable contribution to the Church in her services to her home, her Church and to the community.
Mrs. Purcell was a lovely Christian woman, of deepest Christian principles and convictions, and an inspiration to all her friends and to pastors who come to know her. She was a Life Member of The Woman’s Society of Christian Service and a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
She taught in the public school systems in Texas and Louisiana for 35 years and was highly respected in educational circles.
Mrs. Purcell—“Miss Ela”—as we all knew her, died on December 3, 1965 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is survived by three sons and one daughter. Interment was in the Plain Dealing Cemetery, Plain Dealing, Louisiana—a long and useful life ending here on earth, but having greater glory with God in His Kingdom.
Source: Journal Louisiana Conference, 1966; p. 233 By L. A. Carrington
