Pauline Claris Purcell

Newport -Funeral services for Pauline Claris (Ashley) Purcell will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the New Hope Freewill Baptist Church in Lone Grove, with Rev. David Gardner officiating. Interment will follow at Newport Cemetery. The services are entrusted to the care of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Wilson.

Pauline departed this life at the remarkable age of 101 on November 26, 2024, at Elmbrook Nursing Home in Ardmore.

Pauline was born on October 21, 1923, in Thurston Grove, the daughter of the late Oliver Sandford Ashley and Lou Anna (Ross) Ashley. She received her education in Thurston Grove, Newport, and Woodford, completing her studies at Lone Grove High School.

On May 1, 1948, Pauline married Marvin Arlus Purcell in Gainesville, Texas. The couple began their life together in California, south of Los Angeles, where Marvin worked for the Gas Company and Shell Chemical. After two decades in California, they returned to Newport. Marvin preceded her in death in 2000. Throughout her life, Pauline was an active and dedicated member of the New Hope Freewill Baptist Church.

Pauline was also preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother Charles Hugh Ashley, her brother Coy Ashley, and her sister Madeline Glazier.

She is survived by her nephew, Sandy Ashley, and his wife Penny of Newport, along with numerous great nieces and great nephews and other family members who will cherish her memory.

Casket bearers will include Marshall Mitchell, James Bullard, Jim Meadows, Johnny Clinton, Sandy Ashley, and Billy Needham. 

Honorary bearers will be Bill Needham, Ted Nichols, Larry Mitchell, Bill Payne, and all members of the New Hope Freewill Baptist Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.alexandergrayfh.com