Joan Michelle Purnell was born to John Melvin Sr. and Lovie J. Banks Purnell on September 5, 1955, in New York, NY and was called home to rest on September 11, 2025.  

At the age of 2, Joan and her family moved to Delair, NJ where she was educated in the Pennsauken , NJ School District.  

Joan was employed after graduation as a Bank Teller. She worked for Strawbridge and Clothier Department Store and H&R Block however, she retired from Pennsauken School District after 35 years of dedicated service. 

Joan became a member of First Nazarene Baptist Church of Camden, NJ and proudly served as the Foundation Liaison to the Pastor. She was an avid reader and member of the church book club; where she looked forward to the monthly meetings and would often end her evenings with a good book, especially the readings of the Daily Bread Devotional. 

Joan was a true fashion enthusiast and natural-born fashionista, always well-coordinating her clothing and accessories, and her gift of beautifying herself and her surroundings was admired by all that knew her.

She delighted in planning and using her gift to beautify the church that she loved. Joan took great pride in using her talent to expertly adorn the church any time that she could, especially during the holiday of Christmas; when she would create special candy pouches to gift the parishioners as they entered the Sanctuary. 

Joan leaves to mourn her memory her two nephews, Corey Michael Purnell-Jones and John Melvin Purnell, III; four

great nephews, two great nieces; a god daughter, Lynette N. Hinson; a god-grandson Clarence D. Brigmon Jr; eleven aunts which includes the Banks family matriarch, Virginia Banks; four uncles, and host of cousins and friends. She also leaves to mourn her memory special friends Arlene Evans, Lisa Gilmore and a dear friend Andrew Turner. 

Joan’s talent and beautiful smile will be forever missed! Rest well Joan M. Purnell