Cortez NeSmith Purcell

Cortez NeSmith Purcell, 94, of Ashburn passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 at her residence.

Cortez was born on October 13, 1931 in Sycamore to the late Isaac Lamar and Carrie Belle Cromer NeSmith. She was a homemaker and member of Bethel Baptist Church. Cortez loved to sew and made the family numerous quilts. Her family described her as a super seamstress who could make anything she put her mind to. She loved to spend summers in her garden and put up vegetables which she shared with her family and friends. Her yard was kept neat and trim and full of flowers. Puddin, her dog, was her constant companion.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Jones of Rebecca; sons, Billy (Shelia) Purcell of Kingsbury, Texas and David (Myra) Purcell of Ringgold; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Purcell of Chula; son-in-law, Vernon Giddens of Adel; brother, Jimmy (LaRue) NeSmith of Sycamore; eight grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren with one great-great grandchild on the way.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Eakies Lester Purcell; children, Ann Giddens and Steve Purcell; siblings, Maxine NeSmith Westbrook and Isaac Lamar NeSmith, Jr.; grandson, Drew Purcell.

Graveside funeral services will be held Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Perry Funeral Chapel.