Joanne Purcell

Joanne Warren Purcell passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024. Joanne was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 31, 1934, the second child of Roy and Mildred Warren. She grew up in St. Louis in a happy home that included her older brother Roy "Bud" Warren, her grandmother, aunt, and occasionally other family members. She attended Beaumont High School and graduated from Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau with a degree in teaching. At college she met Jay, her husband of 62 years, and together they moved around the country with their growing family and eventually settled in Houston where they lived in the same house in Walnut Bend for 51 years.

Joanne was very active in her children's lives, supporting their many activities including scouting, swim meets, Little League, church, and school programs. She eventually returned to teaching at Southwest Methodist School where she was a beloved kindergarten teacher for 14 years. Joanne was very social and actively involved with her friends and community her entire life. She was a member of multiple Walnut Bend neighborhood groups where she developed lifelong friends and actively participated in garden clubs, bowling leagues, bridge clubs, line dancing and exercise groups, and much more. She had great fun well into her 70's and early 80's as a member of the Golden Girls Tappers, performing fully choreographed and costumed numbers at community and retirement centers, churches, and even local businesses. She was a member of Grace Presbyterian church and active in her Circle for many years.

Joanne and Jay enjoyed a long and happy retirement, traveling and entertaining extensively with friends and family, supporting the Astros and Aggies, enjoying their lake retreat and yearly family beach trips. Joanne especially enjoyed being the best Grandma to her five grandchildren who all lived nearby, attending every sporting and school event and hosting many sleepovers and pool parties for them. She loved family gatherings, always welcoming her children's friends at family events, and made every holiday special. In more recent years, Joanne moved to The Abbey at Westminster Plaza and loved her time in this fun and supportive community that included both long-time friends and many new ones.

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, Jay Purcell; her parents, Roy and Mildred Warren; her brother Bud Warren; and her favorite aunt, Lillian Manewal. She is survived by her son David Purcell and wife Ann; daughter Susan Purcell and husband Shane Schlemeyer; son Gary Purcell and wife Lissa; five grandchildren: Devon and wife Amanda, Matthew, Nikki, Kirby, and Cullen; and great granddaughter Charlotte "Charlie" Purcell; her sister-in-law Jane Purcell; as well as nieces, nephews, and her many dear friends at The Abbey.

The family extends grateful thanks to the staff of Memorial Hermann Memorial City for their kindness and care in her final days. The family is planning a private burial and a Celebration of Life reception at The Abbey in the coming weeks.