Sarah Mavourneen Purcell

Sarah “Sally” Mavourneen Purcell was called home to the Lord on October 4, 2024. Born on August 21, 1941, in Beaumont, Texas, to Captain Robert Joseph Jackson and Elizabeth Mary Louise Watler Jackson, Sally married William Purcell on January 29, 1965.

Sally is preceded in death by her husband William Purcell, her parents, sisters Helen Ward and Ruby Turner, brothers Ted and Bob Jackson, brothers-in-law Arnott Ward and John Turner, sisters-in-law Maria and Theta Jackson, niece Sandy Davidson, and many aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Purcell Miller, and her husband, David Miller; her son, Patrick Purcell; her granddaughters, Maddison and Kalyn, and Kalyn’s husband, Matthew, with their daughter, Kollins; her brother, Woodrow Jackson; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Sonny and Jane McFarland; extended family, Michelle Purcell and David Glass; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Sally was a second-generation American citizen, with both parents of British descent who came to the United States from Grand Cayman as young adults. Sally never met her father Robert, who was lost in WWII, but her brothers and uncles often stepped into fatherly roles. A memorial service was held for her father six years after the loss of his ship.

She attended Texas Women’s University (TWU) and graduated from Lamar University with a BS in Sociology and minors in Psychology and Business. She met William in college and married shortly after graduation.

Sally never met a stranger and cherished her family and friends. Known for her sweet southern drawl, she often greeted new acquaintances with “nice to know you” and affectionately called loved ones “Shuga” (i.e., Sugar). She was the ‘glue’ that kept her family and friends together.

Despite facing several health challenges in recent years, Sally remained joyful and never complained. Her medical professionals, throughout her many hospital stays and doctor visits, often commented on her sweet spirit and contagious smile.

Affectionately known as “Granny” by her loving granddaughters and their friends, Sally will be dearly missed. We take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering and is reunited with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.