Lucille B. “Cile” Purcell, passed away on Friday, Jan. 26, at the age of 91. She was the daughter of the late Warrie T. and Maggie E. Blanks. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William V. “Perky” Purcell Jr. and her son, William V. “Billy” Purcell III. 

Lucille was a lifelong resident of Charlotte County. She graduated from Randolph Henry High School. She continued her education at James Madison University, graduating with a degree in music education. Later she obtained her Masters of Education from Longwood College. After college, she returned to Charlotte County and started her career as a teacher with Charlotte County Public Schools. Lucille taught at Drakes Branch Elementary and later became principal of that school. She then moved to Eureka Elementary School as the first principal of the school. She retired from Charlotte County Public Schools with over 36 years of service. 

Cile was an avid Bridge player often holding Bridge parties at her home. She was a member of Lebanon Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority at JMU, the Charlotte County Branch of the APVA, The Red Hat Society, Patrick Henry’s Memorial Foundation, Charlotte County Retired Teachers Association and H.A. Carrington, UDC Chapter 1055 of Charlotte Court House. 

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Ruthie Williams and her husband, Wayne, of Mechanicsville; two grandsons, Jeremy Williams and his wife, Jaymi, of Ashland and Andrew Williams and his wife, Amy, of Mechanicsville; four great-grandchildren, Cory, Rebekah, Rose and Gracelynn; sister, Rachel Dickerson, of Monroe, North Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Her funeral ceremony was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Lebanon Church, Drakes Branch. The family received friends one hour prior to the ceremony. Interment followed the service at the Purcell Family Cemetery at Oak Hill Farm. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Lebanon Church or the Patrick Henry Memorial Foundation, Brookneal.