Novella Purcell age 85 of Fort Worth formerly of Coleman, Texas passed away Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at 9:45 p.m. at the Stonegate Nursing Center in Fort Worth.  Graveside services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Coleman City Cemetery Pavilion with Rev. Kermit Sorrells officiating.

She was born Novella Freeman on January 6, 1920 in Santa Anna, Texas to the late Charlie Roy and Gladys Hickman Freeman.  Novella was raised in Coleman graduating from Coleman High School.  On August 5, 1939 she married N. W. "Perky" Purcell in Brownwood, Texas and they celebrated thirty four years of marriage.  Perky preceded her in death in 1973.  Novella was a member of the Methodist church and worked with her husband in Purcell Accounting until 1973.  She then was an apartment manager in Abilene, Austin and Midland.

Survivors include one daughter, Becky Purcell of New Braunfels, Texas; one son, Dr. Duane Purcell of Fort Worth, Texas; one granddaughter, Catherine Purcell of Fort Worth, Texas; one grandson, David Purcell of Fort Worth, Texas.