‘Jerrye’ Purcell

JEFFERSON – Geraldine Donahoo “Jerrye” Purcell, 74, died Monday, August 2, 2010, following a period of declining health.

Born in Winder, she was the daughter of the late Horace and Mazie Wilbanks Donahoo. She was a graduate of the Georgia State College for Women, and was a lifetime educator having recently retired. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jefferson and was a faithful volunteer of the Ark of Jackson County.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Jack Purcell, Jefferson; daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Doug Thurmond, Jefferson; a son, Carroll Purcell, North Carolina; sisters, Marie Smith, Jonesboro, Jo Benton, Athens; brothers, Ray Donahoo, Dunwoody, Terry Donahoo and Don Donahoo, both of Winder; and four grandsons, Cam, Cason, Tanner and Tyson Thurmond, all of Jefferson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 4, at 4 p.m., from the First Baptist Church of Jefferson with Michael Helms officiating. Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers are Dwayne Smith, Steve Smith, Terry Smith, Cam Thurmond, Cason Thurmond, Tanner Thurmond, and Tyson Thurmond. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to the Ark of First Baptist Church Jefferson, c/o Carolyn Townes, 146 Longview Dr., Jefferson, GA 30549.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.