Shawn Eddie Purnell

Shawn Eddie Purnell got his wings on August 18, 2024. Mr. Shawn Eddie Purnell was born in Toledo, Ohio on February 4, 1989, the son of Sophie Salvage and Willie Purnell of Toledo. He began his employment as a seasonal landscape assistant with the MetroParks of Toledo. Maneuvering to his manufacturing journey with Detroit Manufacturing Systems, he blossomed as a Team Leader. Shawn loved his children, sports, music, and his family. The heart he carried was worn on his sleeve. He developed a warm-hearted nature from his neighborhood and within his workplace relationships. His love for basketball started through the Boys and Girls Club.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sophie Salvage; brother, Paul Polleck; step-sister, Rolena (Sonny) Nichols; step-brother, Roy T. Rowe; step-nephews, Elijah Nichols, Jr. and Jerry Rowe; maternal grandparents, Marion and Helena Konikowski; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Zollie Purnell of Cochran, GA; aunts, Isabel, Sarah, Susie, Rosalee, Edith, Jamie, and Lillie all of Georgia; and uncles, Eddie and Reverend Homer Purnell both of Georgia. He leaves to cherish his memories, his father, Willie (Mary) Purnell of Toledo; two sons, Jaylen Purnell of New York and Shawn Eddie Purnell, Jr. of Toledo; three daughters, Harmonie Purnell of Columbus, OH, Shawnalynn Sophie Purnell and Joi Purnell, both of Toledo; step-sisters, Courlinda Bevis, Karen Gales-Thomas, Hilda (Kim) Lipkins, and Shirley R. (James) Jones all of Lima, OH; step-brother, Danell T. (Stacy) Rowe of Lima, OH; lifelong companion of 17 years, Sylvia Harris of Toledo; three brothers, Willie Purnell of Brunswick, GA, Vincent Purnell of Jacksonville, NC, and Bernard McPherson of Atlanta, GA; three sisters, Lisa Purnell of Cochran, GA, Gretchen and Bridget Wheaton, both of Toledo. Also surviving are three nieces, Saraina Purnell of Cochran, GA, Sabree Taylor and Beyonce Taylor, both of Toledo; two nephews, JJ Purnell of Georgia and Vincent Purnell of Jacksonville, NC; 15 step-nieces and nephews; 28 great step-nieces and nephews; a host of cousins and friends; loving brothers, Marlon and Buck; and ex-wife, Bree Purnell of Toledo.

A Celebration of Shawn’s Life will be held at a later date.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Remember Me
Don’t remember me with sadness,
Don’t remember me with tears,
Remember all the laughter,
We’ve shared throughout the years.
Now I am contented
That my life it was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way
I made somebody smile.
When you are walking down the street
And you’ve got me on your mind,
I’m walking in your footsteps
Only half a step behind.
So please don’t be unhappy
Just because I’m out of sight,
Remember that I’m with you
Each morning, noon and night.

I'm Free
Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,
Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch
If my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.