Shirley Ward Purcell

Shirley Ward Purcell, age 72, passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021, with her daughters by her side.

Shirley was born to Ruby Merle and George Ward on October 20, 1949, in Adel, Georgia.  After attending Cook County High School, she went to Georgia Southern University and graduated with honors.  It was there she met the love of her life, Larry.  They married in 1974 and had two daughters. Shirley taught high school history before becoming an elementary school counselor who co-founded  the Henry County Council on Child Abuse.

She spent her life being a champion for those with no voice.  She protected and cared for those around her, never expecting anything in return.  She was a firm believer in family and was always her children and grandchildren’s biggest fan.

Shirley is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karyn and Aaron Campagnone; daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Paul Southerland; grandsons, Tyler, Logan, and Joseph Campagnone, Tristan and Nikolas Southerland; as well as a number of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Purcell; brothers, Bobby Ward and Charles Ward.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 6, 2021, at The Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home.  Mr. John Cass will officiate.  Interment will follow in Yonah View Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Michael Parker officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society - P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland. 706-865-3101.