Irma Parnell

Obituary For Irma Parnell

Mrs. Irma Parnell (100yrs) of Atlanta, Ga., passed on August 30, 2022. Funeral Services for Mrs. Parnell will be held in our Chapel (3047 Campbellton Rd. SW. Atlanta, Ga. 30311) on Friday September 9, 2022 at 12:00 pm. Viewing Thursday September 8, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Service will be livestream (scroll to end of her obituary and select link). All Participants are required to wear a mask while our Chapel seats 400 which allows for social distancing. Irma D. Puryear was born on September 13, 1921 to the proud parents of Ernest & Dara Puryear. She was born in Oxford, North Carolina in Granville County and was the oldest of 5 children. Irma, affectionately known as “Toni” transitioned home on August 30, 2022 at home exactly 2 weeks away from reaching 101 years of age.

“Toni” was married to Elmer Parnell and lived in New Jersey. They would go on to have a son, Kerry Parnell Sr. Their family moved to The Bronx and was settled there for a while. Her husband Elmer passed & Toni made a new home in Atlanta, GA with her son.

“Toni” loved cooking and was an amazing cook. You were guaranteed to stop by and get a nice sized plate if you went by there just to stop by.

“Toni” was a person that spoke her mind. She said what she meant, meant what she said, & cursed every other word in between. She would tell you what she thought you needed to do or not do & wouldn’t hold back saying anything that she felt was needed. It was all love though.🤣

“Toni” joined Victory Baptist Church and was under the pastorship of Catherine Mitchell-Sharp. She really cared for her pastor and would always talk about her & her Pastor would always make a way to see her. She loved the Lord and sometimes would be caught Singing, “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”.

“Toni” really loved her son “Kerry” as she would call him. He was the apple of her eye & the joy of her life. She truly set the example of what it meant to Love your child unconditionally. Kerry Sr. passed away last year & left a pain in her heart that couldn’t be healed.

“Toni” turned 100 years old & was given a Proclamation by the Mayor & City of East Point to dedicate her birthday (September 13th) as “Irma “Toni” Parnell Day”. It was like a mini parade & she sat outside while people rode by to show her love. It was truly a celebration!

This last year “Toni” was cared for by her wonderful and only grandson Kerry Parnell Jr. He did everything she needed. She would still size him up too, but the love between them grew more and more with each day.

Holding her memories close are a loving grandson; Kerry Parnell Jr. 3 beautiful granddaughters; Tanika Williams, Shanika Williams, and Kettisha Howard; great-grandchildren Brianna, Willie IV, Keanna Lemons, Sa’Mya Williams, Kera Parnell, Quincy Yarbrough Jr., and Korey Parnell; Great-Great Grandchildren; Syncere Williams, Amir Williams, Kayden, Tristan, and Kyrie Lemons. Oldest and dearest friends; Rosetta Wallace and Eva Lawrence, and hosts of other relatives and friends.

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