Wilma was born on December 16, 1927, in Alma, the daughter of Willy Franklin and Jenny (Gammon) Osborn. She married John D. Purcell on June 3, 1951, in Alma, Illinois. Together they enjoyed 51 years of marriage until his passing on July 2, 2002.
Survivors include her children, Roger Purcell and wife Julie of St. Joseph, Floyd Purcell and wife Joni of Alma, Chuck Purcell and wife Sheila of Vandalia, and Carole Shaffer and husband Richard of Salem; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John D.; a son, David Purcell; infant daughter, Brenda Jean; brother, Russell Osborn; and a sister, Lila Jones.
Wilma was a longtime member of the Alma United Methodist Church. She started out working as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse and later became a stay-at-home mom and farmwife. She was active in the church, enjoyed gardening, and spending time with her family.
Funeral services for Wilma Purcell will be held at Noon on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Alma United Methodist Church with Christine Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at the Alma Cemetery in Alma, Illinois. There will be a visitation on Tuesday from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alma United Methodist Church and will be received at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem which is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
