Arthur Purcell Obituary in Greensboro at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home

Obituary For Arthur Purcell

Dr. Arthur Purcell transitioned from his earthly home on Tuesday, August 18,2020, surrounded by his loving family. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the Carolina Biblical Gardens in Jamestown, NC. Visitation will be on Friday, August 21st from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC. Arthur David Purcell (Sam) was born November 3, 1945, the youngest of eight children born to James and Allie Moultrie Purcell. A loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, he believed that education, tempered with spirituality, kindness, good humor, and generosity, was a vehicle for change and personal achievement. His formative years were spent in Rowland, North Carolina. There he attended and graduated, from South Robeson High School. At an early age, he joined St. Matthew AME Church and Beauty Spot United Methodist Church, where he began his Christian education. Upon completion of high school, Arthur began his higher education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, where he earned the Bachelor of Science Degree and received his Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Education. He later attended the University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana, where he earned an Advanced Certification and Doctoral Degree in Agricultural Vocational and Technical Education. Arthur recognized the value of reviewing and revising knowledge and skills; he was a life-long learner. While achieving his undergraduate degree, he met the love of his life, Rosa Marie Siler, whom he affectionately called “Top”. Arthur and Rosa were united in Holy Matrimony at Mt. Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on May 30, 1970. In May of this year they celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary. Arthur attributed their long loving relationship to the fact that they were spiritually grounded individuals who wanted to achieve similar goals in love and life. They were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Tynika. Arthur was a devoted member of Mt. Olivet African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where he worshiped until his health would not allow. A praying and generous person, he served in several leadership roles: member and President of Board of Trustees, served as a delegate to AME Zion Church’s annual and district conferences. Also, he was a generous contributor to the growth and development of the Church. Arthur’s professional career spanned the high school classroom to leadership roles at the college and university level. For several years, while studying to attain higher levels of education, he was a master teacher in the classrooms of Louisa, Virginia; Currituck, North Carolina; Landis, North Carolina; and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Upon completion of his doctoral degree, he returned to his Alma Mater, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as Assistant Professor in Agricultural and Extension Education, where he taught in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Subsequently, Arthur held administrative positions at the University: Associate Director for Special Programs in Cooperative Extension Programs, Coordinator of Student Recruitment and Retention, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Arthur was a member of several professional, community, and social organizations, including Career and Technical Education; Alpha Tau Alpha, Future Farmers of America Alumni; Gamma Sigma Delta; North Carolina Association of Black Educators; Board of Directors of International Educational and Service Institute, Chair of the Board of Directors, Anointed Acres Housing Development; a member of NANBPW Ombudsman, and Southside Alumni Association where he served as president for many years. A devoted Alumnus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, he was a life supporter of the Alumni Association. As a member, he served in several roles at the national, regional, and local levels. A few years ago, he and Rosa established a scholarship fund to support the education of students enrolled in the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Arthur has received many honors and awards for his commitment to a better society. Arthur, while focused on career and community involvement, was truly devoted to, as Wontly Phipps says, “helping people live their potential.” This was demonstrated by his devotion to assisting family and friends where there was a need. Whether it was inviting his nieces and nephews to live at his home while attending college or taking them on summer vacation while parents were working, Arthur would be there to assist family wherever the need. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memories: his wife of fifty years, Rosa; daughter, Tynika Cleland (Gilbert) of Bronx, NY; sisters Bessie Frazier (Rudolph) of Columbus, NJ; Ruby Purcell of Rowland, NC Louise Blunt (Robert) of Dillon, SC; brother Bishop Delaney Leach of Rowland, NC; sisters-in-law, Mary Louise Purcell; Lucy Purcell and Catie Leach of Rowland, NC; Maxine Bakeman of Greensboro, NC; Joyce Flowers (Lloyd) of NYC; sister cousins-in-law Rosa Bowden and Kathryn Irvin of Greensboro, NC; a special nephew, Warren Purcell (Sara) of Rowland, NC; a God Daughter, Michele Bennett Haile of Atlanta, GA; a host of loving nieces and nephews and other relatives; and a group of dear friends who are like relatives. Memorial contributions may be made to Dr. Arthur & Rosa Purcell Endowed Scholarship, NC A&T State University; or to the Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church, Christian Education Scholarship.

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sincere condolence to the Purcell family. Arthur was a great man who contributed his talents to the well being of mankind. He is greatly loved and admired.

Condolences to you and your family. Dr. Rosa Purcell you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Shawnda Warren-Coates

Rosa I was saddened to hear of your loss. May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

Jacqueline McMillan

May Gods Bountiful Grace comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

Shirley Palmer

We, the Soloman family, offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Dr. Rosa Purcell and the entire Purcell family. May God bless all of you.

Myrtle Barrett Soloman

Dear Rosa and family may God's loving presence comfort you, his perfect peace restore you and his promise of eternal life sustain you during this time of loss Ralph and Ursula Robinson

Ursula Robinson

Rose we were sorry to hear of Purcell;s passing. We will remember the times that you and purcell came to visit and we had a joyful time. God will see you thru this time of sorrow. (Love to you and Tynika)

Joseph and LeeNora Rice

We are sending love and prayers to you during this time. Praying that God will continue to comfort you now and in the days ahead.

Ernest and Edna Adams-Fulton

We are deeply sorry for your loss. In this difficult time, may peace and love surround you. James B. Dudley H.S. Class 1962 Benevolence Chairperson Cynthia G. Farrington Harry L.M. Knight, Jr. Informatin Officer

Harry L.M. Knight, Jr

My condolences, Rosa and the Purcell family.

Ron Bruner

Rosa, Tynika,, and Gibert thinking of you all you have lost someone very special, someone who touched many hearts. Purcell touched so many lives and brightened many days. We share your sorrow deeply sympathize with you. There are no words to take away sadness when you lose someone you love.
You are in our prayers!
John and Judy Headens

Judy Headen

To The Purcell Family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the transition of a devout scholar, Dr. Arthur Purcell. May he rest in eternal peace.

Michael King

Dear Rosa, I was saddened this morning to read of Sam's death. I remember the times we were together, either looking at homes or when I took the girls from your class to go in houses. Many times in the years since then I have thought of the two of you, with pleasure. These unusual times have kept Mae and me at home but it cannot hide our memories. Take care of yourself, your family and friends. With love from one who appreciated the two of you so many years ago.

David Brown

I celebrate the life of Dr. Purcell and offer my sincere sympathy to Dr. Rosa and family in his passing. I recall with fond memories, many years working in the NCA&TSU National Alumni Association. with Arthur. May he rest in paradise! Louise Murrill-Graves

Louise Murrill-Graves

Rosa. Rodney and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family.. Continue to look to the hills from whence your help comes from. May God continue to Bless you.

Marilyn Brewington

Rosa, we are so sorry to hear about the passing of our friend, 'Purcell'.We cherish the fond memories of the times we spent together in Louisa. May God's grace carry you through the days ahead.

John & Verna Henderson