Samantha J. "Sam" Purcell

Samantha “Sam” Purcell was greeted by her parents and grandparents on December 27, 2023, as she entered the gates of Heaven. Sam was born on February 20, 1966, to her loving parents, Shelby Jean Barnett Purcell and James Oscar Purcell, Jr. She was a member of Leoma Baptist Church and served as children’s minister in several churches and loved children and sharing about the love of Jesus. Everyone who knows Sam is aware of her love for Jesus, her parents, her dogs, and all things Tennessee Vols.

She owned Sam’s Auto Sales in Leoma, TN, and enjoyed making a little profit. Always kind and generous, Sam did everything bigger than life. She had a beautiful smile and an excitement for living. Sam was a graduate of Lawrence County High School, UT Martin, and received a master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Sam was like a sister to many of her cousins and was affectionately called Aunt Sam by their children. Blessed to cherish her memories are lots of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Stephanie Shannon and her boys, Elijah and Jeremiah, have always been special to Sam. Danny James, Sam’s antique buddy, dog sitter, and friend was like a brother to her. Some of Sam’s favorite companions were her dogs Hershey, Rocky, Little Bit, and Bear.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.  Join us as we celebrate Sam’s life on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Neal Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Saturday with the funeral service at 3:00 PM with Bro. Tony Shults officiating. Burial will be in Purcell Cemetery in Leoma, TN. Pallbearers will be Caleb Barnett, John Wesley Barnett, Wade Barnett, Garrett Brown, Cruz Purcell, and Samuel Shults.

Donations to honor Sam’s memory can be made to the Children’s Ministry at Leoma Baptist Church or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.”- Proverbs 27:9

We love you, Sam!
 

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