Princess Cornelia Purnell's Obituary
Princess Cornelia Purnell of Georgetown, DE, departed this life on February 7, 2026 at the Delaware Bay Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. She was born to the late Herbert L. Burton, Sr. and Florence E. Burton on September 9, 1942 in Millsboro, DE.
Princess attended Delaware Public Schools in Sussex County and then relocated to Maryland where she married the late Warren Henry Purnell Sr. She was previously employed in the hospitality industry at the Sheraton Hotel and a child care assistant in Ocean City, MD. She enjoyed spending time with her family, watching football, completing crossword puzzles and competing in word games (Scrabble, Word Trip and Word Jam).
In addition to her parents, Princess was preceded in passing by her siblings: Herbert L. Burton Jr., William E. Burton, Charles T. Burton, John E. Burton, Anna M. Showell, C. Agnes Tankard, Dorothy E. Byrd, Frances E. Hardcastle and Mary I. Taylor.
Princess is survived by four children: Warren H. Purnell Jr. (Linda) of Delmar, MD; Jeffery A. Purnell (Venee) of Bear, DE; Andrea L. Purnell of Philadelphia, PA; and Frances E. Waters of Hampton, VA. Three brothers: Oliver V. Burton of Dagsboro, DE; H. Nelson Burton of Dover, DE; and Joseph L. Burton of Wilmington, DE. Two sisters: Martha V. Wise and Fay E. Burton of Millsboro, DE. Six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. John 2nd Baptist Church, 26602 Mt Joy Rd, Millsboro, DE. A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow in the adjoining church cemetery.
Please sign Mrs. Purnell's Tribute wall at this site.
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