Evelyn Joyce Purcell-Gentry

Evelyn Joyce Morgan Purcell Gentry, 98, longtime resident of Oklahoma City passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025. She was born July 20,1927 the 8th child of 10 born to William H. and Maude J. Morgan in Moorewood, OK. Preceding her in death were her husband Fred A. Purcell, sons Dr. Fred A. Purcell, Jr., Judge Gary M. Purcell, 5 brothers, 4 sisters, 3 half-brothers & 2 half-sisters.

Surviving her are her daughter Jill Hartman (Richard), Norman, OK, son, Dr. Rex Purcell (Lori), The Villages, FL, & daughter-in-law Chris Purcell, Norman, OK. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Shay Rathbun (Jason), Austin, TX, Stacy Saikin (Jeff), Austin, TX, Brad Purcell (Chilton), Norman, OK, Michael Purcell (Claire), OKC, Katherine Clopton (Cody), Norman, OK, Scott Hartman, Houston, TX, Jeffrey Hartman (Meredith), OKC, Wilson Purcell, Washington D.C., Patrick Jones (Lauren), Conover, NC, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces, and 4 nephews.

Evelyn was 17 when she graduated from Leedey High School in 1944 & promptly moved to OKC to attend Hill’s Business College. She was later employed as a secretary for Dept of Human Services & Sohio Petroleum Co.

On August 16, 1947, she married Fred A. Purcell and enjoyed 40 wonderful years of love & devotion. Together they proudly raised 4 children. They were very involved in all their children’s activities--baseball, basketball, music recitals/competitions. They attended First Christian Church & later Our Lord’s Community Church. Saturdays were to cheer for the OU Sooners.

Evelyn had a long career working for L.G. Balfour Ring Co., as the Office Manager for her longtime friend, Dick Lierman, retiring in 1985.

She was active in CHAPS at Chapel Hill Methodist Church & the CHAPS Sunday School class. She was a member of the Oklahoma Hospitality Club, Echo Book Club, Mayfair Dance Club, & her favorite-The Little Monthly Birthday Club.

Evelyn adored her 9 grandchildren. Holidays and visits to “Nanny’s House” were always special. She was a gracious hostess preparing wonderful meals & desserts for her family & loved every minute! In a serious moment, you would hear her say “life has been so good to me!”

Graveside services 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Reception Brunch following at the Memorial Park Chapel. Memorial Park Cemetery, 13313 North Kelley, OKC, OK.