SALEM — It is with profound sadness; the family of Betty Horton Purcell, of Salem, announce her peaceful passing. Comforted by her family’s love, she entered heaven’s gates in the early morning hours of July 2, 2023. She was a beautiful and spry 90 years young.
She was born in Belle Rive, Illinois on August 21, 1932, to Ross and Merea (Richardson) Horton. When she was a little girl, she moved all over southern Illinois with her tight-knit family during the oil boom. While her father and uncles worked in the oil fields, she spent a lot of time with her mother and aunts, which she adored.
She married the love of her life and best friend, Johnnie William Purcell, on Saturday, July 14, 1951, at the Belle Rive Baptist Church. The wedding was scheduled for Friday the 13th but at their family’s urging and superstition, it was changed to the 14th. At the time, her father was the mayor of Belle Rive and the entire town shut down for the big wedding. On that hot July day, the church was standing room only. After marriage, they moved to St. Louis, MO then to Fort Knox, KY., before Johnnie was drafted during the Korean War. After Johnnie returned, they settled back in Salem, IL. Johnnie and Betty met at the one-room South Side Grade School on S. College St. in Salem, Illinois when they were 7 years old. Johnnie noticed her black hair and green eyes immediately and fell in love at first sight. However, he didn’t tell her until ten years later, when they were 17 years old. They never disagreed and she said every day of their marriage was a honeymoon.
Betty was a faithful member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Salem where she taught Sunday school, and Bible study, participated in the Women’s Missionary Union, and shared her Christian faith by serving all in need. Betty was always active. In addition to raising her children, and helping Johnnie with his various business ventures, she worked for Fuller Brush Co., Avon, Gals and Girls Dress Shop, National Home Care, and Americana. She was also a proud co-owner of The Sister’s Dress Shop.
Betty is fondly remembered for ensuring all the babies in her and Johnnie’s “little nest” had full bellies, lots of love, and always felt at home. She was the surest definition of grace and never lost hope. It is known that she would pray aloud, each night, for those she held dear.
In addition to her husband of nearly 73 years, she is survived by four loving children, all of Salem: Connie Bundy, David Purcell, Terry Purcell and wife Rachel, and Penny Purcell and fiance Dennis Albert; one sister: Ruthie Karcher; daughter-in-law: Becky Purcell; eight grandchildren: Clinton Bundy, Michelle Raby and husband Joe of Marion, Whitney Purcell and husband Walter Gallia, Charissa Plumb, and Blossom Plumb, Nate Sterling of Huntsville, TX, Nora and husband Sam Robinson of Thomasville NC, and Kathy Kelly of Texas; 12 great-grandchildren: Joslyn Bundy, Jacob Bundy, Jasper Fuller, Anabella Gallia, Kiley Koch, Eden Gallia, Hadley Plumb, Chalin Simpson, Cohen Raby, Annalee Raby, Magnolia Plumb, and Tripp Bartley; one great-great grandchild: Cymbaline; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Roger Purcell, James Purcell, Gerald and Joan Purcell, Larry and Gail Purcell, Carl and Joan Purcell.
In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her mother and father-in-law: Archie and Phoebe Purcell. Sister: Alleta Loehr, brother: Charles Horton, grandson: Anthony Bundy, son-in-law Wayne Bundy, daughter-in-law Laura Purcell, brothers-in-law Bob Loehr and Ken Karcher, and sisters-in-law Joyce Purcell, Doris Purcell, and Gerri Purcell.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 11:00 AM at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home in Salem with Dr. Andy DeWitt officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery in Salem. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 AM till the time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 North Broadway/ P.O. Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, 618-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Purcell family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Home Facebook Page.