Janet F. Purcell

Janet Frances Purcell departed this world for her Heavenly home on January 15, 2025 surrounded by her daughters and people that loved her.

Janet was born on March 1, 1945 to Charles and Frances (Rice) Gipson in Kansas City, MO. She spent her early years living on an acre of farm land where she enjoyed the animals, fishing and riding her bicycle. When she was 12 years old her father died in a work accident and she and her mother were left to face the world as two. In spite of many challenges, Janet went on to graduate from William Chrisman High School in 1963. She met her beloved husband Jerry at church in 1967 and after 3 dates they were engaged. They married on December 21, 1968 and welcomed their first child, Deanna in 1970 followed by their 2nd child Gina less than a year later in 1971. Due to health issues, Janet and Jerry decided to purchase the house next door to her mother and step-father in 1974 to help take care of the children. Janet was a life long homemaker. 

Janet loved being a mother and although she could not attend every event for her children, she was always supplying cookies for bake sales and making sure her girls had everything they needed to be successful in school. Later in life, Janet and Jerry opened their home to Christopher at age 17 and helped him finish school. Janet loved him and claimed him as her son until the day she died. He helped care for her and her mother until she moved to Texas in 2015. Janet was a life long animal lover and always had a dog in her life. Janet loved to read and would go to Mid Continent Public library as often as she could to get a stack of books as tall as she was, which she would read within the week and go back to get more. She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and would often take up the entire dining room table while working on one. She loved her soap operas, she loved to walk places, she loved to play the piano and she loved to shop! She and Jerry saved money for 2 events every year, one being Santa-Cali-Gon days on the Independence Square over Labor Day weekend. The other was an annual trip to Branson, MO where they enjoyed good food, shows and shopping.

Janet and Jerry lived a beautiful love story. Other than work, they rarely spent time apart. Janet loved roses and diamonds and Jerry made sure she had both as often as he could. Jerry sent her a rose for every year they had been together on their anniversary until the year he died. They were always seen holding hands, he would stop as he passed by her in the living room or dining room and plant a kiss on top of her head. They said “I love you” to each other freely and often. When Jerry died unexpectedly in 2004, Janet said he was the only one for her and he was her husband forever. She never dated or remarried. 

In 2015 Janet sold her home of 41 years and moved into an Assisted Living facility in Texas near Gina. She enjoyed spending time with Gina’s dogs and attending school events for her grandson Garrett. When her health started to deteriorate she was limited to going out with family on holidays but always enjoyed their company. She loved hearing recordings of Garrett playing piano and trumpet. In 2022 Deanna joined Janet and Gina in Texas and would visit Janet 3 times a week to help care for her, always bringing a Diet Coke and the 50’s music Janet loved. She did this until the day Janet died. Janet left this world hearing her daughter’s voices speaking words of love, and Elvis Presley singing “Loving You” in her ear.

Janet was preceded in death by her mother and father, her step-father Francis “Jack” Wright and her husband Gerald “Jerry” Purcell.

Her legacy lives on with her children Deanna L Purcell of Denton TX, Rev Gina K Purcell of Denton TX and her partner Windy of Independence, MO, Christopher Ko of Lenexa, KS, and her grandson Garrett J Purcell of Denton TX. Extended family Lou Jordan and Alice Hupp of Denton TX, Dr Sheri Campbell-Kaiser and husband Patrick, Denton TX. Also many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom she loved dearly.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday January 25, 2025 at Parklawn Funeral home 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City MO 64138. The family will receive visitors at 11am with funeral services beginning at 12pm.

If you so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer's association or the Humane Society in honor of Janet.