Lyda Purcell began her journey as the youngest daughter of Cecil B. and Lyda Sanders. They lived in the Ginter Park area of Richmond, Virginia unless it was summer time and then they were on Gwynn’s Island enjoying the simpler life chewing bubble gum, crabbing, playing jacks and walking the beach. She had two adoring sisters, Cecil Mae "Sally" Sanders Verrechio and Shirley Sanders Longest, as well as a protective older brother, Merle Wayne Sanders. Lyda attended Thomas Jefferson High school. She loved visiting with her many nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to her as Peakie or Aunt Lyda.
After high school, Lyda went to both Louisburg and Averett College. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Ronald Preston Angel on a blind date. They spent years double dating with various Beauregards and their girls. They especially enjoyed time playing bridge with Jane and Tom Probst and continued to challenge each other to games into the new millennium. Who would win? Boys or Girls? At Averett she roomed in a broom closet with her dear friend, Betty Groom Williams.
Ronnie Angel proposed to Lyda and they were married on September 10, 1966. Three years later, while living in Alexandria, Virginia, Deborah Anne was born. She was such a joy, they decided let’s have another. Nicole Yvonne was born three years later after the family moved to the Forest Hill area of Richmond, Virginia. Lyda’s brother in-law, Jim Longest built them a house on Winterfield Rd. in Midlothian, Virginia. Lyda stayed at home with her girls for many years and made their childhood magical. She and her forever friend, Robin Adams created a stenciling company called Stencil Masters. They published stencils that sold in craft stores and stenciled people’s homes. This was rewarding because she loved to be crafty. Ten years later, Ashley decided to surprise everyone and join the family. She has been the baby sister ever since. Lyda began working in the library and with the athletic director at Trinity High School. She loved this because she could still spend summers with her girls on Gwynn’s Island. These years she also cared for her aging mother and father and was a devoted daughter until the end of their lives.
Lyda switched careers in the 1990’s and worked at a glass consignment shop until it closed. Along with making several lasting friendships, she was the bookkeeper. She took up the hobby of going to estate sales and auctions to collect china and glassware to put in the shop and to enjoy. This came in handy when hosting parties, showers and holidays as she loved to do. It was always so much fun to have company over. She taught her girls and their friends to remember the importance of preparing a table, always using the serving pieces and never serving chips a bag! Lyda loved to visit her girls in college and get to know their friends. Every time any of them moved she would help decorate their new spots by sewing curtains, painting furniture or upholstering sofas. She had a knack for being a sweet mom and decorating to make her mark on every place we lived.
Beginning in the early 2000’s, Lyda became a grandmother. Her oldest daughter, Debbie had Noah Tyler and later, Luke Aiden. Her middle daughter, Nicole and son-in-law, Jeff had a daughter, Ellie Claire and son, Camden Allen. Lyda also has two granddogs Pixie and Pepper.
She survived cancer twice and most recently battled with Parkinsons and COPD. Lyda was a fighter and persevered through many obstacles to be the strong woman that we all loved. Her changing body and mental capabilities challenged her until the very end.
God saw you getting tired
as a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
whispered, “Come to Me”.
With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
She was the best mother, aunt, friend, sister, Nana and wife we could have ever wanted. Her presence will be forever missed.
The family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support that has been sent. We are grateful and appreciate it so much. We are overwhelmed with your kindness and are so thankful to have such loving family and friends to help us as we go through this unbearable time.
The family will welcome visitors on May 23, 2019 at Nelsen Funeral Home from 5-9pm. We will celebrate her wonderful life later in the summer at Gwynn’s Island as she wished for some of her ashes to remain at her favorite place, Gwynn’s Island.
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