https://my.gather.app/remember/purnell-washington

Purnell W. Washington departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William and Evelyn Washington; paternal grandparents, Robert Jackson and Ella Mae Ellis; brother, Juma A. Henson; uncle, Howard Ellis; aunt, Justine Washington; and nephew, Hanz Emanuel Ellis.

Purnell (a.k.a. Chuck) was a faithful member and deacon at The New Pentecostal True Holiness Church in Charlottesville, VA where Bishop Andrew Copeland is the pastor.

Chuck graduated from Tennessee High School and then pursued a career as a building contractor. He's been in the business for 20+ years and started his own company, P.W. Washington & Company LLC, in 2012 to provide various services related construction in Charlottesville and surrounding counties.

Chuck was a dedicated father who enjoyed traveling, watching movies with his children, and family game night. He was a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Chuck was a loving and gentle soul whose smile could light up a room. He found great gratification in helping others.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

Purnell will forever live in the hearts and memories of those who love him: mother, Janice Louise Henson (companion, George Murray), Louisa, VA; biological father, Hugh Ellis (Sandra), Louisa, VA; stepfather, Lawrence Odell Henson (Priscilla), Louisa, VA; children, Jade Grooms, Gordonsville, VA, McKenzie Berry, Charlottesville, VA, Sahara Davis, Staunton, VA, Purnell Washington, Jr., Charlottesville, VA, Samiya Washington, Charlottesville, VA; brothers, Andre Henson, Eau Claire, WI, Jeremy Ellis (LaDeen), Roselle, NJ; sisters, LaTonya Dickerson, Charlottesville, VA, TaKesha Ellis-Baker (Joseph), Gordonsville, VA, Manisha Ellis, Charlottesville, VA, Joy Racheal Smith (DaVell), Louisa, VA, Sherrie Henson, Charlottesville, VA; grandchildren, Kennedy Grooms, Karter Grooms, and Kassadi Grooms, all of Gordonsville, VA, Ava Richards, Charlottesville, VA; two devoted aunts, Priscilla Mellette, Troy, VA, Collette Washington, Charlottesville, VA; uncles, William Washington, Jr., Scottsville, VA; Kevin Mellette, Troy, VA; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 in The Sun Chapel at D. D. Watson, Louisa, with Minister Jay James, officiating. Interment will follow in the Galilee Baptist Church Cemetery Kents Store, Virginia.