Myrtle S. Purcell, 97, of Eden, died Thursday, November 26, 2009 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury surrounded by her family.

Born in Cambridge, on June 7, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Royal Shaw and Myrtle Henry Shaw. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Purcell and a son-in-law, Fred Moore.

Myrtle lived with her adoptive parents, Dora and Cleveland Wilkins, until she was 12. Then she returned home to live with her biological mother and step-father, Myrtle and Edgar Merryweather. After returning home she met the love of her life, Tom Purcell. She a homemaker and a member of Quantico Church of Christ in Salisbury.

She is survived by her daughter, Constance P. Moore of Eden; two grandchildren, Fred Moore, Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Allen and Scott Moore of Allen; 5 great-grandchildren, Amber Lynn Myers and husband Jesse, Renee Holland and husband David. Edward Thomas Moore and wife Megan, Samantha Moore and Thomas Moore; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

Late brothers were James Shaw, Royal Shaw, her twin brother, and Thomas Merryweather. Late sisters were Sarah Rice, Mary Willey, Dorothy Hurst and Mayfield Anderson.

A graveside service will be held Sunday at 2pm at Allen Cemetery. Rev. Mark Billiter will be officiating. Contributions in her memory may be made to Women Supporting Women, 106 West Circle Avenue, Suite 101, Salisbury, MD 21801. Visit www.hinmanfuneralhome.com to send condolences to the family.