Erdis Ann Campbell Purcell, 87, went to her heavenly home on the morning of Monday, July 18, 2022 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Ms. Ann, as many knew her, was born in Star City, Arkansas as the 4^th child of 5 to the late John and Sarah Campbell on October 4, 1934.

Ann married the love of her life, US Navy and WWII Veteran George Allen Purcell, while still in high school on November 19, 1951; also becoming an immediate mother to his first-born daughter, Marsha. She graduated Star City High School in May of 1952, where she was an avid basketball player, member of the choir, ensemble, National Honor Society, and was active in many other clubs. The fall following graduation, Ann became a mother to her and George’s first-born son, David Allen, and they went on to have two more children, Donald and Penny.  George and Ann were married until his passing in 1979.

Ann has always been an active member of her community and church.  She has been a part of a singing group, The Unity Trio, of the Unity Baptist Church, and has always been part of her church’s choir.  Ms. Ann loved to move around with family living in various towns in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.  She always loved visiting with all her church brothers and sisters.

Ann loved talking and visiting with everyone, which made her employment history of various sales positions enjoyable.  She worked retail as well as owned her own uniform shop.  Before retirement, she worked as a Pharmacy Tech as well as Head Cashier for Walmart for many years.  After retirement she traveled to visit family, took care of her siblings until their passing, and enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She lived in Little Rock then moved to Fayetteville near her son and grandchildren for the remainder of her time with us.

Ann is preceded in death by her parents, John D. and Sarah Story Campbell, late husband, George Allen Purcell, step-daughter, Marsha Purcell Pate (husband Walter), son Donald Purcell, brothers Gerald and Charles Campbell, and sister Sue Campbell Farrar.

She is survived by her oldest son David Allen Purcell and his wife Marilyn, their children:  Karen (Doug) Johnson (kids: Haley & Hannah), Michael (Trish) Thompson (kids: Chance & Tanner), and Jennifer (Steven) Purcell Coleman (kids: Alana, Hunter, & James David).  Her daughter Penny Purcell Fudge and her husband Danny, their children: Lindsey (Chris) Sikkema (kids: Lucy & Shepherd), and Samantha (Creighton) Artz (kids: Theodore).  Also, Marsha’s children, Tina, Tony and Tracy as well as their children and spouses.  Lastly, her baby brother Karon Gale Campbell, and many extended family members, friends and people she met along the way, for indeed, Ann never met a stranger.

Ann was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord.  She was always listening to various Gospel singing groups and loved to hum to the same particular tune. You could often find her reading her Bible and romance novels, and she loved her coffee.  She is now home with her Heavenly Father and Husband George saying “This is the Best Hot Cup of Coffee I’ve Had All Day.” Ann, you will be missed dearly. Rest in Peace.

The family will have a celebration of Ann’s Life in the near future which the family will notify loved ones, and friends when a service is scheduled.  In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in memory of Erdis “Ann” Campbell Purcell, a non-profit she held very dear to her heart, donations may be sent to Angel’s Choice Haven, PO Box 6291; Sherwood, AR 72124: Contact Michelle Oglesby at (501)615-3094 or email Michelle.aaca@gmail.com.

Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.