Born July 17, 1929, in Clarkesville, Georgia, Katie was the eldest of seven siblings. From an early age, she carried responsibility and was shaped by a life that required strength, resilience, and perseverance.
Katie worked for many years as a retail sales associate and was known by her family as one of the hardest workers they have ever known. She lived with a deep Christian faith and a strong sense of duty to her family.
Katie enjoyed gospel music, crossword puzzles, jumble, and logic games, and the game show network. She was also known for her cooking—often preparing family favorites for gatherings, especially her lemon pudding pound cake.
Katie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Garnet Taylor and Martha Ruth McClure; her husband of more than 60 years, Vernon T. Purcell, Sr.; and her daughter, Charlotte Leigh Purcell.
She is survived by her sons, Vernon Thomas Purcell Jr. (June) and Stanley Keith Purcell (Karen); her grandchildren, Emily Purcell McIntyre, Laura Purcell, and Michael Purcell; and her great-granddaughter, Caroline McIntyre.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at H.M. Patterson & Son – Arlington Chapel, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in her memory.
