Leone Burton Purcell

Wilma Leone Burton Purcell, 101, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025. Born in Rush Holler, West Virginia, to Minnie and Eustace Burton, Leone was the fourth of five children. From a young age, she showed a determined spirit, often at her father’s side helping with chores on the family farm.

She pursued education diligently, attending a one-room schoolhouse before completing high school in Cumberland, Maryland. During World War II, Leone met Jack Stovall through her brother Glen, and the two were married in Atlanta in 1942. Their daughter, Rebecca (Connie), was born in 1944. After the war, they settled in Atlanta, where Leone worked for Scripto and later built a long career at General Motors as a private secretary.

Leone and Jack shared a love for the outdoors, often hunting and fishing together. After Jack’s passing in 1976, Leone found renewed purpose in helping to found Kingswood United Methodist Church, where she served as its first secretary. There, she met her second husband, Joseph Purcell. They shared 30 joyful years of marriage until Joe's passing in 2010.

Leone lived with grace, strength, and an adventurous heart. She now joins her parents, siblings, and beloved husbands, Jack and Joe, in eternal rest. She is survived by her daughter, Connie Cowan; son-in-law, Douglas Cowan; and three grandsons: Mark Cowan, Robert Cowan, and Terry Cowan, along with his wife, Shantel Cowan. Her legacy continues through four great-grandchildren: Tyler, Aidan, Kaylee, and Ryan Cowan and two great-great-grandchildren: Gracie and William.

She is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and friend, whose life was marked by deep faith and steadfast love. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and warmth, cherished by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mt Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. The funeral service will follow from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the same location. A committal service will take place later that day from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

Leone will be remembered fondly by family and friends for a life well-lived and the many memories shared.