Marjorie Ann Purcell

Marjorie Purcell, 96, of Carlsbad passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, in Northport, Alabama.

Marjorie or Margie as most people called her, was born Margaret Yourasovich on February 5, 1928, in Zeigler, Illinois, to Pete Yourasovich and Mary Miksic Yourasovich.

Margie attended school in Zeigler and graduated from Zeigler High School in 1946. Margie was the granddaughter of immigrants from Croatia. She had many fond memories of walking across town to visit her grandparents. Her grandfather worked in the coal mines; if he knew that she was going to be at his house, he would always save the pear from his lunchbox for her.

After graduation, Margie worked at various jobs around Zeigler-babysitting, house cleaning, and she worked at the office of a lumber yard in town. She loved to dance and would often have friends over to teach them the latest dance steps!

Margie eventually came to Carlsbad to visit her mom and stepfather, Mary and John Vukovich. John worked with Floyd Purcell at P.C.A. Mine; he introduced the two, and they were married on April 21, 1949.

Margie worked at various jobs over the course of 71 years in Carlsbad, eventually retiring from an office job with the City of Carlsbad. The job that she really loved, however, was taking care of her home and family. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Carlsbad, Junior Women's Club, Alpha Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Carlsbad Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, and a fun-loving Canasta Card playing group. She had many dear, lifelong friends that she enjoyed being with over the course of 70 + years in Carlsbad.

After Floyd's death in July 2020, Margie came to Alabama to live with her daughter, Sherri, and son-in-law, Don Alverson. She met many new friends who showered her with love and kindness. Sitting on the porch, visiting with neighbors when they stopped by, watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren swim in the lake brought her hours of enjoyment!

Margie was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years; her parents and stepfather; a brother, Pete Yourasovich; a sister, Kay DeSomer, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Purcell.

Margie is survived by her daughter, Sherri Lynn and husband, Don Alverson of Northport, Alabama; son, Craig Floyd Purcell of Lubbock, Texas; grandson, James Ryan Alverson and wife, Kathy of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky; granddaughter Ashley Alverson Green and husband, Chad Green of Seaford, Virginia; great-grandchildren: Jillian Edens Alverson, Tucker Lee Alverson, Elliot Ryan Alverson of FT. Thomas, Kentucky, William Chadwick Green, Jr. “Will”, and Margaret Lee Green “Maggie” of Seaford, Virginia; sister-in-law, Dorothy Varner of Abilene, Texas; cousins Trish and Rick Towery of Midland, Texas; Zolene Knott of Carlsbad, New Mexico; several nieces and nephews, and Brenda's children, Shanna, Mitchell, and Brandon Huslig.

Honorary pallbearers: Joe Nichols, James Greer, Steve Greer, and Rick Towery.

Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Graveside service is scheduled 10:00 AM, Friday, November 15, 2024, at Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM, with Pastor Kevin Pence officiating.

The family wants to extend a special "Thank You" to our Hospice of West Alabama care team. The love, help, and support that they provided during the last four months is more appreciated than we can ever express.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Carlsbad, 112 North Alameda Street, Carlsbad, NM. 88220; or to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL. 35404.