Minnie Frances Purnell

Minnie Frances Purnell

NOVEMBER 24, 1925 – SEPTEMBER 20, 2021

Minnie Frances Purnell was born on November 24, 1925 in Houston, Texas at the Old Methodist Hospital and passed away on September 20, 2021 in Houston, Texas at her residence, at the age of 95.

Fran, as her friends knew her, was interested in ballet and she enjoyed designing clothes as a young girl. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1943, enrolled in the University of Houston becoming a lifelong U of H supporter, and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. During her time at U of H she met her future husband, William Bartell Purnell who taught math and physics. She was his teaching assistant and she graded papers for him. After graduation, she went to work for Shell Oil Company working in their Geo Physics Department. In 1947, she married William B. Purnell and soon after resigned from Shell to be a stay at home mother and raise three children. She was an accomplished bowler and an avid golfer. She was a huge University of Houston Cougar fan, never missing a home football game in a span of 30 years. She was a University of Houston Alumni Organization Life Member. She had many charities and organizations she donated her time to such as the Houston Junior Forum, the Junior League of Houston and she served on many committees and was President of the Aggie Moms of Houston Chapter. She loved to travel, visiting all 50 states as well as traveling all through Europe. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother who always had an infectious smile on her face. She was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran American Church in Bellaire, Texas and was a devout Christian. Her gracious attitude and fun-loving personality will be greatly missed. If she were here she would tell us all, “do not mourn my death, celebrate my life”

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, Alvy & Lydia Grantham, her husband William Bartell Purnell, her Aunt Sally Emerine, Cousin Sally Ann Emerine, son-in-law Michael David Miller and her precious dog Sugar.

Fran is survived by her children Lynn Hagan and husband Don, Kevin Purnell and wife Mary and Jana Miller, grandchildren, Bryan Hagan and wife Carley, Kyle Purnell and wife Catherine, Travis Miller and wife Stephanie, Will Miller, Cheyenne Purnell , Kellie DeRojas and Lacie DeRojas, great grand-children Haiden, Zane Weston, Dani, Trinity and Carter.

A memorial service will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home in The Woodlands, Texas on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:00am with a reception following,