of Harrison, AR
June 5, 1939 - December 29, 2019
Mary Evelyn Purselley, age 80, of Harrison, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019, with family and friends surrounding her. The daughter of Rex and Amanda ''Mandy'' (Yearnes) Younes, she was born June 5, 1939, at Harrison, Arkansas. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son; Rex Purselley; and her brother, Johnny Younes.
Mary was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Harrison where she taught preschool, fourth through fifth class for many years, and worked in First Friends Class. She taught school in the Harrison School District for 34 years, retiring in 1997. Mary taught public school music and developed the original kindergarten program for the Harrison School District. She taught kindergarten; was principal of Central Elementary School; was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, serving in several capacities including Chi Chapter president and Kappa State Music Chairman. Mary was selected at Harrison Elementary School Teacher of the year in 1985. She was selected as Arkansas PTA Administrator of the year in 1987. She was a lifetime member of the PTA, PTA State Safety Chairman; served on the State Elementary Council; the Retired Teachers Association, serving as president; and was a member of the Boone County Retired Teachers, serving as president. Mary received her BSE in 1967 and ME in 1970 from the University of Arkansas and Specialist Degree in Education Administration at SMSU in 1995. She was a member of both the National and State Auctioneers Association, serving on the State Board of Directors.
Mary is survived by her daughter-in-law, Linda Purselley, of Farmington, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Carol and (Jeff) Smith and David and (Missy) Marzullo; five great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Mary also leaves behind two nieces, Susan and LeAnn and their families, along with a host of other family and friends.
Funeral service was Thursday, January 2, 2020, at the First Baptist Church, Harrison, with Brother Rob Davis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.
Interment was at Ozark Memorial Park, Joplin, Missouri.
Pallbearers were Lyle Watkins, Bill Harness, Jim Echols, Dave Marzullo, Jeff Smith, and Cole Smith.
The honorary pallbearer was Earl Johnson.
Special thanks to Atlas in Home Care, who took such good care of Mary over the last few years.
Memorials may be made to the Harrison Public School Foundation, 110 S. Cherry St, Harrison, AR 72601, Gideons International, 3110 Main St, No. 300, Frisco, Texas 75034, or the First Baptist Church of Harrison, 1400 S. Pine St, Harrison, AR. 72601.
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18 Condolence(s)
Paul "PJ" Jackson
Thursday, March 19, 2020
I am saddened to learn the news of Mrs. Purselley's passing. She was a young music teacher in Harrison elementary schools when I met her as a first grade student at the old Eagle Heights school on Washington Ave.
It's funny how things stick with you throughout your life. I occasionally find myself humming some of the little songs she taught us. I always looked forward to a school visit from Mrs. Purselley; she was consistently cheerful, positive and gave the kids music that was fun to sing.
I suppose that the fact that my chosen career has been so heavily involved in music has much to do with the influence of Mary Purselley. Wherever I've been, all the famous people with whom I've worked, it seems to come back to her. She was truly an example of what an educator should be. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to tell her that, myself.
Mrs. Purselley, I have no doubt that all your talent and years of practice are now rendering praise to the King of Kings. I hope to be singing along with you again, someday.
Kathy
Thursday, January 2, 2020
Mary was my music teacher in grade school I also had the pleasure of taking care of through Atlias. She will be greatly missed by all, Love you Mary!
Denease Woods
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
My husband is in the hospital in Fayetteville is the reason I am not going to be able to attend her service.
Denease Woods
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Mary was one of the best principals I ever worked for and with. She was my prayer partner at Central Elementary. I have wonderful memories of our years together — from 1987 until her retirement. She was a wonderful Christian lady. My prayers are with in your loss.
Jill and Lance Adams
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
It was so good to know Mary through our daughter-in-law, Katie. We are very glad that Mary had a close relationship with our Lord, and you can find peace in the fact that she is rejoicing with the Lord, now. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
S. Denise (Hickman) Klein
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Mary was my mom's best (childhood) friend, and my surrogate mom after her (Sally Jo Beene Hickman) passing in 1993. She shared her childhood stories with me and loved me unconditionally. I enjoyed every visit! Mary was always positive and cheerful in the face of every adversity, and encouraged me to be so. She was thoughtful, sending cards for every occasion with little notes tucked inside. I will be rereading those, often. I miss her with a deep sense of loss (here on earth) but also with the hope of seeing her and my mom in Heaven - forever.
Dee Houghton
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
I worked with this amazing lady my senior year of HHS at The Kindergarten Center. She was my inspiration, role model and ultimate teaching goal. Mary Purselley was a major influence in my own 31 years of teaching! She is a blessing and will be truly missed. Thank you Mrs. Purselley, now it’s heaven’s turn to benefit from your precious life. God Bless You.
Dee Russell Houghton
Connie Grace
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
I am saddened to hear. She was a very good friend to my Mother, and I remember her fondly.
Connie Grace
John and Barbara Johnson
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sending our prayers and condolences to your family. She was one of the best both as a teacher and as a human being.
Dorothy Taylor
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
It was such an honor to have Mary at Witts Springs to help students with reading and whatever we needed help with really, she was always willing to do whatever and did it with her beautiful smile! She spent many hours driving from Harrison to volunteer her time. The kids loved to see her coming with cupcakes or other goodies. Prayers for you all.
LILA NETTELL
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Such wonderful memories of Mrs. Purselley in my younger years.. Music class was always so much fun with her!! My thoughts and prayers to the family!! I know you will miss her sweet smile so dearly!!
Alona Alexander
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Love this lady. Had a great visit with her a few years ago, and really enjoyed remembering the days when she taught me elementary school music. She is teaching angels to sing now. RIP Mary.Peace to the family.
Arlon & Brenda Hickman
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Mary was a lifelong friend of my first wife Sally Jo Beene. Mary was Maid of Honor at our wedding, present during Sally's last days and memorial service. I suspect Sally was among the greeters when Mary stepped thru the doorway into Heaven. We look forward to that great reunion our Lord.
Bill Beach
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Ms. Mary was such a wonderful, godly lady. She encouraged and ministered to me personally and to many in our church, Buffalo River Baptist, many times. She made trips from Harrison to St. Joe for a long time to play piano for us and took a country church under her wing to help us as much as she could. I love Ms. Mary and honor her memory. She was such a special, special woman. God bless and prayers for her family and her FBC Harrison family.
Kim Rosson
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Such a precious lady who always put others first. She loved our family so much and was such an inspiration to us. We will miss you, Ms. Mary, but I know you are rejoicing in Heaven with my brother, Randy. I just bet he met you at the gate with such joy!
Thank you for being my friend! I love you. Until we meet again......
Sam & Mary cecil
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
Ernie & Mary Lou Bradley
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Mary is a very special and kind lady. Heaven has a new angel.
Mendie Tkachuk, RN
Monday, December 30, 2019
It has been more than a pleasure helping Miss Mary for the past few years. I cant even begin to describe what an angel she has been. She was one of the most loving and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I loved going to her house and talking with her and her singing to me. I love her to the moon and back and will miss her so much. I am so sorry for your loss.