Judith Ann (Sharp) Purcell, 78, of Huntsville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2017.  Judy embraced the changes of the seasons, so it is only fitting that she begin this next journey as summer transitions into autumn.

Judy was born in Huntsville, Tennessee on July 20, 1939 to the late Joshua Jonathan (J.J.) and Erie West Sharp. She was one of eleven children.  Judy graduated from Huntsville High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Berea College in 1961.  Judy loved children and always wanted to teach – she started her teaching career in Harlan, Kentucky then moved to Maryland where she taught elementary school in Anne Arundel County, Maryland for 30 years. 

Judy married her Prince Charming, Joseph Robert Purcell, in January 1965.  They had one son, Christopher Joseph Purcell.  Together, Judy and Joe retired in 1992, and returned to Huntsville a short time later.  Family and friends were Judy’s love and joy. She filled her home with flowers, music, light and laughter.  She loved to read, travel, garden, play bridge and watch late night movies.  Charlotte’s Web, A Wrinkle in Time, Star Trek, Ireland, New Zealand and Middle-earth were some of her favorite destinations.

Purcell was a Board Member of the LaFollette Housing Authority, a volunteer at the Museum of Scott County, an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church in Huntsville and a member of the Presbyterian Women.  Judy’s blue ribbon flower arrangements at the Scott County Fair were the basis of local legend.  She touched and inspired many people throughout her life.  Her infectious smile, her unique sense of humor, her love of nature, and her free, independent spirt will truly be missed.

Judy is survived by one son, Christopher Joseph Purcell and wife Beth Sharon; two grandsons, Zachery Joseph and Ethan Samuel; her brother, Roger Sharp and wife Shirley; two sisters, Helen Smith, and Nancy Johnson & husband Bill; and sister-in-law Linda Jeffers Sharp.  She also leaves behind a lot of caring relatives and friends. 

Purcell is preceded in death by her parents, J.J. And Erie West Sharp; husband, Joseph Robert Purcell; brothers and sisters-in-law Jake and Dolores Sharp, Joe and Alene Sharp, James Douglas Sharp; sisters and brothers-in-law Jean and Wesley Riggins, Liz and Vernon West, Mae and Charles Chitwood, Joyce Loy.

Friends may visit with the Purcell family on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 4 p.m. until time of funeral service at 6 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville, TN. 

Burial will follow in the Mossop Memorial Cemetery in Huntsville.  Pallbearers will be:  Josh Sharp, Tim West, Chuck West, Monty Burke, Warner Riggins, Delenia Wray, Nick Sharp and Cathy Jones.

In lieu of flowers, Judy requested that you consider making a monetary or historical donation to the Museum of Scott County located at 400 Scott High Drive, Huntsville TN, 37756.  

Jones and Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Judith Ann (Sharp) Purcell.

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